Ebert, Williams, Obst.
The Boyds, the Cahills, the Tredreas, the Burgoynes.
Yep, Port Adelaide has had some famous football families during its time - these are just a few that have donned the guernseys of Alberton over the last 60 or so years.
But there’s a family which has its own unique dynasty of success.
The name is Phillips, and for Greg – a multiple premiership player and former captain of Port Adelaide – his family has done Port proud away from the football field, as well as on it.
Greg’s youngest daughter, Erin, is one of Australia’s premier basketballers.
The Los Angeles Sparks guard has represented Australia and recently inked a deal for SEQ Basketball in the local WNBL.
On Wednesday (the American Wednesday, that is) Phillips will throw the ceremonial first pitch when the LA Dodgers take on the Arizona Diamondbacks, so she's already settling in nicely at her new home.
Her brother-in-law is former Port midfielder, now veteran Hawk Shaun Burgoyne, her first team (technically) was Collingwood and she still gets to Power games when she’s in Adelaide.
With her first season with the Sparks kicking off last weekend against Seattle, portadelaidefc.com.au caught up with Power ambassador Erin to talk hoops, footy and family.
So when did you start supporting the club? Or is that a silly question?
About 30 years ago! Obviously my Dad was always part of the club, and I was definitely born into the Port Adelaide family. I was on the field at the end of a premiership win or two!
There’s not really any choice with these things is there?
No, not really!
He’s been a big role model for you in your own career hasn’t he?
Mum and Dad taught me the importance of sport and following your dreams, and Dad would always kick or shoot with me, so he’s had a big impact for sure.
It’s probably an obvious question then, to ask who your all-time favourite player is?
Yeah, probably Dad. I better say that now before I get into trouble. Someone like Russell Ebert though is arguably the greatest player to have ever played for Port Adelaide. Gosh, it’s a hard question…
Does the brother-in-law get a look in?
Yeah, that’s probably the next obvious one – Shaun! I won’t get in trouble now!
What about the current crop of players, who’s your favourite right now?
It’s a tough one, I really like Ollie Wines for his work ethic – he really has a go – and probably Matt Lobbe, because I’ve known him for a long time and I think he’s a really nice guy.
You’ve grown up around footy and playing footy, obviously it’s hard getting to games at times given your schedule, but have you been to a game at the Adelaide Oval?
Yeah I have, and I really like being among the fans – not up higher where everyone’s quiet – somewhere near the front. I love being near the action, the sweat, the sound. I still really get into it. I usually go with mum and dad or a friend.
I only get to see two or three games before I head back. When I’m away, I’m always on the AFL Live Pass watching the games. I don’t miss a game.
If you had a job at the club, what would you be doing?
It would have to be something where I actually get to kick a footy with the guys, or something with Burgess and his fitness team. I love the fitness and pre-season side of things, so working closely with the high performance team would be a pretty good job.
Did you pick up any tips from the high performance team when you visited the club earlier this year?
Burgo's got an amazing brain and passion for what he does, but there’s still a bit of old school in him. So when they do things that just mentally challenge and push the body above and beyond the limits you think you have, it’s stuff like that which I really like. The club’s good for that.
In a one-on-one contest, which of our players wouldn’t you want to be against?
Probably Robbie Gray. He’s an amazing player, he was unlucky not to win a Brownlow last year, he’s been really good for us.
What about your own season this year, you’re with a new team, what are you hoping to achieve?
This is my first season with the LA Sparks. It’s a new city and a new three-year contract to help the players of this new franchise get the ultimate, and that’s a WNBA championship. I’m really excited and another challenge that I’m looking forward to.
You never really have a pre-season or off-season because everything overlaps. This year I’ve got the WNBA with LA Sparks, the Oceania qualifiers in August, which will bring me back for a week, and then flying back to finish off my season in America.
I usually get five days between seasons to rest, and 2016 is a full-on Olympic year with tours, camps and everything. I’m really looking forward to Rio, it’s going to be a great event, and I’ve got a good feeling it could be the year the Opals finally get the gold medal.
What about some of your non-sporting passions? What do you try to get involved in away from the court?
I’m an Animal Welfare League ambassador, and the treatment of animals and working with animals is one of my big passions.
LA Sparks are a new franchise, but the brand and team are aligned with one of world sports’ biggest sporting teams in the Lakers. Do you have much to do with them?
We’re all under the same roof playing at the Staples Center, both teams are a little bit separate, but we do mix a lot with the NBA players.
So you can get Robbie some tickets to the Lakers?
Yeah, I think Robbie’s going to owe me a lot if I get him tickets...
Robbie Gray is already angling for LA tickets...
Do you still enjoy footy?
Oh yeah. I’d keep a close eye on the games. I grew up playing footy. Basketball is my job, my profession, and I love it. But football is my passion, and I could watch any game of football, I still love it.
Finally, the most important thing our fans want you to know is when you'll return to play in the Slowdown. We haven’t won one of them for a while, and you're normally in the best players - any chance you'll pull a jumper on soon?
I can see it happening in the near future. That’s all I’ll say. I’m itching for a game.
