After a whirlwind few weeks, one of Carlton’s newest recruits, Andrew Phillips, has landed at Ikon Park – and at 202cm he’s hard to miss!
The 24-year-old arrived in Melbourne on Tuesday and checked out his new place in Essendon on Wednesday morning.
Phillips was traded to the Blues from GWS along with three of his teammates - Jed Lamb, Liam Sumner and Lachie Plowman - during the October trade period.
The big man admits his move to the Blues “hasn’t really” sunk in yet, but he’s excited to start pre-season next week and get to know his new teammates – especially his fellow rucks Matthew Kreuzer and Cam Wood.
“Us ruckmen have got to stick together, so I’m looking forward to being really tight knit with those boys (Kreuzer and Wood) and having a really good pre-season together,” Phillips told carltonfc.com.au.
After playing 14 matches with GWS, the tap ruckman is looking to take his game to the next level and build momentum in 2016.
“Hopefully I can get a spot in the side and play second ruck to give Kreuzer a bit of a chop out.
“I like to float forward as well and try and snag a goal – but who doesn’t?” he laughed.
Phillips is excited to be part of a young team which is striving to develop, learn and climb up the ladder together.
“After talking to ‘Bolts’ (senior coach Brendon Bolton), he said he wants a fresh start and a clean slate for everyone, so I’m really looking forward to that – everyone starting from a level pegging.
“The Club is looking to rise and grow so to be part of that is really exciting.”
Moving to Melbourne means Phillips can “duck home” to Tasmania a lot easier, a real bonus for the ruckman and his loved ones.
“There’s no excuses for family and friends not to visit me anymore,” he laughed.
Phillips says having former Giants Plowman, Sumner and Lamb at the Blues makes the move to Ikon Park less nerve-racking.
“Coming here with those boys and already knowing ‘KJ’ (Kristian Jaksch) and Mark Whiley makes the move not so daunting,” he said.
“They are a great bunch of lads, they’ll be a bit quiet to start off with but I’m sure when they settle in and get to know everyone they’ll loosen up – they’ve all got their own little goofy sense of humour.”
Andrew Phillips in his new colours. (Photo: Carlton Football Club)
Although it’s been a busy couple of weeks for Phillips, he’s managed to have a bit of a break over the off-season.
“I went to Bali with my partner and spent a week up there and then I went to Tassie for my brother’s wedding and caught up with my family – so I did all the important stuff,” he said.
Carlton’s one-to-four year players return to the Club on Monday 9 November, while players who have played more than four years arrive back on 23 November.
