Search

show me:

Port trounce Giants in farewell for AFLW great Phillips

3 minute read

The AFLW's most decorated player, Erin Phillips, has finished her career in fine style by leading Port Adelaide to a 58-point win over the GWS Giants.

ERIN PHILLIPS.
ERIN PHILLIPS. Picture: AFL Media/Getty Images

Port Adelaide have sent Erin Phillips into retirement in style, with a 58-point win against GWS heralding the end of the AFLW great's career.

An emotional Phillips was chaired from Alberton Oval after the Power's 13.10 (88) to 4.6 (30) victory on Saturday.

The 38-year-old retires as the league's most decorated player, - with dual AFLW best-and-fairest and triple premiership player among her honours.

Phillips produced a couple of trademark moments and Ashleigh Saint booted five goals as Port blew away the Giants for their second win of the season.

The Power posted their highest score in two seasons in the competition - they are 15th on the ladder, a rung above GWS (2-8).

After Phillips led her team through a ceremonial banner, Port

booted five goals to none in a decisive opening-term tribute.

Gemma Houghton slotted two - a superb long-range snap followed by an accurate set shot - as the Power led 5.2 to 0.2 at quarter-time.

The second stanza was the Saint show. The full-forward booted three goals, including two in 90 seconds, as Port streeted to a 47-point half-time advantage, 8.3 to 0.4.

Saint soon added her fourth goal early in the third term, before the Giants briefly rallied.

The visitors kicked three majors, two from Zarlie Goldsworthy and another from Isabel Huntington, to gain some traction.

But the Power's star attacker Saint scored her fifth goal as the home side created a commanding eight-goal break at the final change.

Port's parochial crowd then cheered Phillips' every move in the last quarter, roaring in delight when she converted a set shot for her final goal.

"I don't think I have been as nervous to kick a goal in my life, to be honest," Phillips told Fox Footy.

"It was obviously a big week and it was just an awesome game, four quarters of Port Adelaide footy, it's awesome to finish off like that."

Phillips, also an Olympics basketball silver medallist, Commonwealth Games gold medallist and winner of two WNBA titles, gathered 16 disposals in her farewell.

Kalgoorlie-born midfielder Abbey Dowrick won a game-high 24 disposals, featuring 11 clearances, and her teammates Maria Moloney (17 touches) and Jasmin Stewart (15) were also busy.

The Giants were well served by Rebecca Beeson (22 disposals), Tarni Evans (21 disposals) and Goldsworthy, who kicked two goals among her 21 possessions.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au