Tom Phillips has joined Essendon's VFL team, per reports from Code Sport's Paul Amy, also set to trial for an a spot on the Bombers' AFL list for 2023.
Phillips played four games for Hawthorn in 2022 as a mixture of injury and form took a toll on his game time before being delisted by the club at the conclusion of the season.
The 26-year-old previously played 89 games for Collingwood over his five years of the club, making his debut in 2016, before he was traded as the Pies tried to clear space in their salary cap.
Speaking back in October, Phillips said he still had the "hunger" to compete at AFL level.
"I wasn't able to get the continuity and runs on the board this year … that was upsetting to reflect on, but it gave me an opportunity to look at being more mentally resilient," Phillips told AFL Trade Radio.
"It's been a different challenge this year for sure.
"I've had to have a slightly different outlook and approach, not being able to play a heap of games and perform on the field, but having to turn my attention to getting myself right and building myself back up.
"For me it's getting my body right. The hunger and the fire is there."
The wingman played eight games for Box Hill in 2022, averaging 24 disposals at VFL level.
