A fairy-tale debut is set to unfold for the brown and gold this Sunday afternoon, with mature-age recruit Ethan Phillips to play his first AFL game.
24-year-old Phillips was picked up by the Hawks in February this year, putting pen to paper on a deal during the eleventh hour of the pre-season supplemental selection period after a list spot suddenly became available.
The 196cm defender earned his place at Hawthorn following a stellar few seasons in the VFL, which included being honoured with the prestigious Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the league's best young talent in 2022.
After joining the Hawks less than three months ago, Phillips has excelled for Box Hill during the early rounds of this season, averaging 17.5 disposals and 11.5 marks per game.
Executive General Manager of Football Rob McCartney said it would be a special moment for Phillips as the club bloods its third AFL debutant for 2024.
“This is a great story of perseverance and never giving up on your dream of playing AFL footy – we are truly excited for Ethan to get his chance on Sunday," McCartney said.
"Ethan has played well at VFL level in the early part of the season. His form has been really strong showing he is a consistent performer in our defensive end, both in defending our goal and starting our attack through intercept marks.
"It’ll be a great day for Ethan and his family as he starts his journey as an AFL footballer."
