Australian sporting icon Erin Phillips is making a stunning return to football, coming out of retirement to take charge of the Gold Coast Suns' AFLW program as their new football boss.
A New Chapter on the Gold Coast
The 40-year-old legend, who retired from playing just two years ago, will relocate from Adelaide to Queensland with her wife Tracy and their four children to embrace this career-defining role. Phillips had been working in commentary with Channel 7 across both men's and women's football while supporting the AFLW through the AFL football department.
This appointment marks Phillips' first club position in nearly a decade, following her previous experience in player development and assistant coaching roles with WNBA franchises before returning to Australia for football.
Building a Powerhouse Program
In an official statement from the Suns, Phillips expressed her excitement about the opportunity that brings together all her passions. "This role brings together everything that I'm really passionate about — working in a team, working in high performance, building a program and helping athletes get the absolute best out of themselves," she said.
The Australian Football Hall of Famer brings extensive experience to the position, noting: "I've had over 24 years of experience working in elite programs all around the world. I've been blessed to see how some of the great ones operate and learn from ones that haven't done so well."
Phillips emphasized her vision for creating a positive team environment: "I want this culture to be team first — I want people to walk through these doors and love being here and I want them to come here, get better and go home and can't wait to come back tomorrow."
Belief in Gold Coast's Potential
Having closely observed AFLW clubs through her AFL role, Phillips revealed she had "always admired" Gold Coast and felt the position was a "really perfect fit." Her commitment to the club's future is demonstrated by the significant family relocation.
"Tracy and I moving four kids from Adelaide to the Gold Coast speaks volumes of just how much I believe in this club and this team," Phillips stated. "I wouldn't have even considered if I didn't have that full belief that this team can be an absolute powerhouse."
Gold Coast chief executive Mark Evans expressed overwhelming enthusiasm about the appointment, stating the club is "beyond thrilled" to welcome Phillips. "With an extensive and decorated background in both elite basketball and football, Erin embodies the ambition and professionalism we want to instil within our group," Evans said.
He added: "We believe her knowledge and expertise will help provide the tools to develop a high performing environment that ultimately drives success within our women's program. We're excited to see our football club take the next steps forward under Erin's guidance in the years to come."
Phillips replaces Fiona Sessarago, Gold Coast's inaugural AFLW employee, who announced her departure last month.
