Erin Phillips says it is a privilege to lead Port Adelaide alongside vice-captain Ange Foley and head coach Lauren Arnell. Image: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos.

NEWLY appointed Port Adelaide AFLW captain Erin Phillips says it is an amazing honour and a dream come true to lead the club in its inaugural season.

Port Adelaide unveiled its 2022 AFLW leadership group on Monday morning, with Phillips to head an experienced group including Ange Foley (vice-captain), Gemma Houghton, Hannah Dunn and Justine Mules.

The father-daughter tradition is now continued even further for Phillips, with her father Greg captaining the club from 1991-1993 during his 343-game career.

But the three-time All-Australian says it’s the opportunity to captain this newly formed group at Port Adelaide that means the most to her.

“It’s a massive honour and privilege to lead this team, with some incredible leaders next to me,” Phillips said.

“Any time you get to captain a side is special, obviously it is special to me and my family connection but it’s even more special because it’s this group who I am so passionate about.”

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AFLW Leadership press conference - 1 August | PTV

Captain Erin Phillips, Vice Captain Ange Foley and Coach Lauren Arnell address the media at Alberton Oval following the announcement of the inaugural leadership team.

While she has the individual privilege to pull on the Port Adelaide-famous number one guernsey, Phillips will be taking a team approach to leading the playing group.

“I get to wear the number one and that is incredibly special, but in terms of roles I will be making sure I’m leaning on these girls (Foley, Houghton, Dunn and Mules) to help me, this is a team effort,” she said.

“I’m really excited to work with these girls, they all bring something different, new and exciting. It’s a great bunch, I’m really proud.”

With Ange Foley as vice Justine Mules, Gemma Houghton and Hannah Dunn round out the leadership group. Image: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos.

Proud head coach Lauren Arnell spoke highly of her leadership group, saying she has great confidence in their abilities.

“Erin and Ange are wonderful people with great leadership experience, their team really looks up to them and is guided by them on and off-field and they are very, very well supported by Gemma, Justine and Hannah,” Arnell said.

“I think another part of leadership some people underestimate is the off-field side of things - it certainly gives me great confidence with all five people standing in front of you today.”

“They have wonderful connection and ability to communicate, beyond the playing group as well.”