Adelaide co-captain Erin Phillips has signed a one-year contract extension at West Lakes.
The two-time premiership captain and two-time AFLW best and fairest winner announced her decision on Friday.
“I love the Club, I love my teammates, it’s my second family,” Phillips told AFC Media.
“2020 wasn’t the greatest season for us, but I’m excited for a fresh start and to come into the 2021 season injury free.
“My kids are so excited to be staying, to be able to spend more time with the girls, who they love.
“There’s no better people to bring up my kids around than the girls at the Crows.”
Phillips said she didn’t once consider retiring ahead of the 2021 season.
“It didn’t sit right to be honest,” she said.
“I felt it would have been a premature end for everyone and it wasn’t something I felt ready to do.
“I go into every season now year by year, playing each one like it’s my last. I’m really excited about this one.”
Phillips was one of nine Crows to sign on for at least another year.
The full list includes:
- Ailish Considine
- Chelsea Biddell
- Erin Phillips
- Hannah Button
- Maddi Newman
- Renee Forth
- Montana McKinnon
- Rhiannon Metcalfe
- Caitlin Gould
A premiership player in 2019, Button (formerly Martin) returns after a season on the sidelines recovering from a knee injury. Forth, Metcalfe and Considine are also premiership players with the Club.
Biddell, McKinnon, Gould and Newman made their AFLW debuts in 2020 after being selected by the Crows in last year’s AFLW Draft.
“We are pleased this group of players have committed to our Club,” Crows General Manager of Football Administration Phil Harper said.
“We have great faith in the improvement possible from the young brigade of Biddell, Newman, McKinnon and Gould.
“Metcalfe, Considine, Forth and Button are premiership players. They have played important roles in our team on and off the field, and we look forward to this continuing next season.”
More re-signings will be announced next week.
The 2021 AFLW season is set to kick off on February 1 with pre-season commencing on Wednesday, November 4 via a two-week induction period.
