ERIN Phillips can hardly believe the day is here.
On Wednesday evening, the chance to pull on the black, white and teal jumper finally became a reality for the three-time NAB AFLW All-Australian.
Speaking to the Adelaide media ahead of the first night of Port Adelaide women’s training, her excitement was palpable.
“It still blows my mind,” Phillips said.
“Getting ready today, getting the footy bag packed and putting on the (Port Adelaide) polo, it’s unbelievable and I’m still pinching myself.”
Recovering from a routine clean-up of a lateral meniscus injury, Phillips was in good spirits and feeling positive about her rehabilitation.
“Hopefully in a couple of weeks I can get back out there,” she said.
“I’m feeling really good (and I’m) itching to get back out there. I haven’t had any hiccups since the scope so as soon as the medical staff let me, (I’ll be back). I’ll be guided by them.”
In preparation for night one, the women’s team gathered for dinner on Tuesday evening and for many, it was the first time they’d had the chance to meet.
“We got together with the girls (last night) and it was great,” Phillips said.
“A few nerves and excitement, but everyone’s ready to go and I know they’ve been putting in the work already so it’s going to be nice to all come together and have our very first session.”
When asked who the player to watch was this season, Phillips was full of praise for former Fremantle forward Gemma Houghton.
“There are so many players I’m getting to know for the very first time,” Phillips said.
“One who I’m really excited about who has come across from WA is Gemma Houghton. She’s going to bring so much to this team. The scary part is she’s a great player and I don’t think she’s even played her best footy yet. Hopefully she feels at home here.”
And if there was ever a perfect chance at making Houghton feel at home, night one of training was it. Alberton was alive with more than 200 fans and members, thrilled to witness a special moment in time for their club.
The team was met with cheers from the crowd and a guard of honour formed by the entire men’s squad as they exited the players’ race for the first time together.
To welcome the women to Port Adelaide, captain Tom Jonas addressed the group, speaking warmly of how the AFLW side ‘completes the club.’
It was a significant moment and the importance of this historic first night was certainly not lost on Phillips.
“Going through the new changerooms, seeing the Port Adelaide sign (on the wall) and the girls rocking up, bubbly and ready to go, it’s very exciting.”
