Erin Phillips

Erin Phillips excited for “epic” first AFLW Showdown

“Obviously for me this is going to be a little bit weird, a little bit strange, playing against my former teammates, but I’m a competitor.”

Published by
Danielle Sorati

Adelaide and Port Adelaide are set to meet this weekend for the AFLW's first ever Showdown, with Crows premiership skipper Erin Phillips set to face her old side for the first time.

Phillips, a dual league best and fairest winner, made the switch to cross-town rivals Port for their inaugural AFLW season after six seasons at Adelaide.

The 37-year-old has strong familial connections to the Power, with father Greg an eight-time premiership player and former skipper at the club.

Speaking to media ahead of the Showdown, Phillips said she had no hate towards her former side and was expecting an "epic" game.

“I definitely don’t hate the Crows,” Phillips said.

“Obviously for me this is going to be a little bit weird, a little bit strange, playing against my former teammates, but I’m a competitor.

“As soon as that ball goes up it’s going to be game on.

“I’m expecting an absolute fierce contest from both teams.

“It’s going to be absolutely epic.”

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Chelsea Randall (left) and Erin Phillips of the Crows celebrate during the 2019 AFLW Grand Final match between the Adelaide Crows and the Carlton Blues at Adelaide Oval on March 31, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

The Power sit 14th on the ladder heading into Round 6, with one win on the board for their inaugural season. Adelaide meanwhile, sit second on the table with a 4-1 record and a dominant percentage of 201.9%.

Despite the uphill battle facing her side, Phillips is still excited about the game, and the prospect of playing against her former co-captain Chelsea Randall.

“No matter who she matches up on each week I expect Chelsea Randall to (compete hard),” Phillips said.

“If it’s me she runs alongside I’d expect that.

“We’re great mates and we have a lot of respect for each other but we both play to win.

“There will probably be a bit of rough and tough (play) between Chels and I.”

The Showdown is scheduled for Friday, September 30 at Adelaide Oval, slated to begin at 8pm AEST.

Published by
Danielle Sorati