The Carlton Draft 2024 participants Leigh Montagna, Trent Cotchin, Matthew Lloyd, Isaac Smith and Dylan Buckley.
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.
The Marong Football Netball Club has welcomed Phillips for her one-off appearance, becoming the first women's team to feature in the campaign, beating out 95 other local clubs.
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.
“It's very exciting to finally know where I will be making my return to the footy field and I'm keen to get amongst the local footy atmosphere. Hopefully I can put a few smiles on the faces of loyal club supporters, teammates and representatives," Phillips said.
“It's a huge moment for women's footy to now be involved in The Carlton Draft and shows how far it has come since the AFLW was introduced in 2017. I can't wait to meet my new teammates and run out alongside the next generation of female footy stars."
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.
Marong President Darren Turnbull, said it was a dream come true to be the lucky club selected to acquire Phillips' services.
“Our women's team is so passionate about playing the game and mastering the skills it requires to play at the highest level, so to have arguably the greatest women's player of all time in Erin playing a game for our club is a dream come true,” he said.
“Our girls already have plenty of questions around tactics to ask Erin, so hopefully she can teach them a few tips and tricks that will hold the team in good stead for the future.
“It will be a monumental day for our club and our loyal fans who are over the moon to be welcoming her. Hopefully we can draw a big crowd and get a much-needed win on the board.”
The Carlton Draft match day for Phillips has yet to be announced.