AFLW Legend Erin Phillips Gives Heartfelt Hall of Fame Speech, Moving Her Famous Father to Tears

AFLW legend Erin Phillips was honoured with an induction into the AFL Hall of Fame on Tuesday evening, making her a member of this prestigious group alongside her father, Greg.

Phillips, a three-time premiership player for Adelaide and a two-time league best and fairest recipient, was celebrated along with Daisy Pearce as the first AFLW players to receive this honour, joining Debbie Lee as one of the female inductees.

Greg Phillips made his mark in the league playing 86 matches for Collingwood across four years but gained most of his recognition as a key player for Port Adelaide’s SANFL team from 1976 to 1993, also making 20 appearances for South Australia.

Present at the ceremony, the former SA player couldn’t contain his emotions as his daughter acknowledged both her parents in her heartfelt acceptance speech.

“To my mum and dad, I couldn’t have asked for more supportive parents who allowed me to be true to myself … Mum, you don’t always get the recognition you deserve … thank you and I love you dearly,” Phillips expressed.

“And to Dad… I can’t fathom how challenging it must have been to tell your 13-year-old daughter that she could no longer play the sport she loves. Now, 27 years later, here we are together in the Hall of Fame.”

“Thank you for introducing me to a game I adore. Even though you knew it may not lead anywhere significant for me at that time, you still shared your knowledge,” added Phillips.

During her speech, Phillips also reflected on her experiences as a woman in the sport, recounting moments from her playing days.

“I tried to fit in with the boys, even cutting my hair short and sporting an unfortunate ‘mushroom’ haircut as a child. I was often mistaken for a boy,” Phillips recalled.

“I remember once running to centre-half forward, standing next to my opponent, who was scanning the field. He turned to me and said: ‘I’ve heard there’s a girl on your team and she’s supposed to be quite talented.’

“I looked back and replied: ‘Yep, you’re standing right next to her!’… I gave him a thrashing that game.”

“I never wanted to be one of the boys; I simply yearned for the same opportunities they had — and that was footy. That was my only desire.”

Phillips recognised her wife, Tracy Gahan, in her speech and also expressed admiration for Lee, who was inducted in 2021.

“Debbie, you paved the way for others to follow,” she remarked.

“You are the first female member of the Hall of Fame, and I’m incredibly proud to be standing alongside you; I look forward to breaking down more barriers with you, Deb.”