AFLW great Erin Phillips has been revealed as a 'wildcard' selection the 2024 Carlton Draft.
The Adelaide and Port Adelaide champion will join the likes of Matthew Lloyd, Trent Cotchin and Isaac Smith in pulling on the boots at the local level this season as part of the initiative.
The Carlton Draft was held last week and saw six AFL icons selected to represent a Victorian grassroots club each over the coming months.
Unveiled as a 'wildcard' selection for one local women's team for 2024, Phillips said she's proud to be able to give back to the local level.
“I am so passionate about ensuring that young girls and women have thriving pathways and opportunities that not only gets them into the game, but allows them to stay,” Phillips said.
“It all starts at the grassroots level, so I am excited to be taking part in The Carlton Draft – an initiative that unites and makes a real difference in these key communities.
“I was just as comfortable as any of the boys with a Sherrin in my hand, but the pathway into elite football just didn't exist for me once I turned 13.
“It's amazing to see how much the women's game has grown, but there is still plenty more work to do, I'm looking forward to getting amongst it and playing my best footy for my new club.”
Phillips has arguably the greatest CV in the women's game, having won three premierships, two AFLW best and fairests and three All-Australians with the Crows.
The 38-year-old played 66 AFLW games between 2017-2023, 20 of which came across two seasons with the Power before she announced her retirement.
Phillips was named best afield in two of her grand final wins for Adelaide, and was also recognised as the best player in the competition by her peers and the competition's coaches during her time at the top level.
“Erin is the type of player who will get involved with her teammates, kick some snags and put on a show for the community that won't be forgotten,” Carklton Draft commissioner Jonathan Brown said.
“At its roots, The Carlton Draft is an initiative about unifying communities and growing our great game across Victoria – there is no one who embodies this ethos more than Erin.
“I couldn't be more thrilled to officially announce Erin as our wildcard selection for 2024 and the first ever AFLW legend to be involved, I am sure she will leave a lasting impact at whichever club she pulls the guernsey on for.”
The local women's side Phillips will join will be revealed on June 3, with clubs able to be in the running via submissions HERE before May 26.
