WELCOME to IKON Park, Ethan Phillips.

The Carlton Reserves have made their first acquisition of the off-season, signing the former Hawthorn backman for the 2025 campaign.

Bringing a wealth of experience to the VFL Blues, Phillips’ incredible form for Port Melbourne ultimately saw him earn his chance at the elite level which yielded an AFL debut for the Hawks.

A VFL Team of the Year representative and Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medallist in 2022, Phillips is a key defender who excels in both the one-on-one contest and as an intercept defender.

Phillips is outstanding in the air, producing nine performances at VFL level with at least 15 marks in a game. He posted a career-best tally against North Melbourne in Round 4 this season with 17 marks, while his brilliant campaign with Port Melbourne in 2022 saw him produce 25 disposals and 16 marks in the one game.

After a year at Hawthorn where he signed as a supplemental selection period signing, Phillips will play a pivotal role for the VFL Blues down back heading into 2025.

Carlton Reserves coach Luke Power said the signing of Phillips was a significant one leading into a new campaign.

“We’re delighted to welcome Ethan to our football club, we see him playing a really pivotal leadership role among our emerging group at VFL level,” Power said.

“Ethan is a story of resilience and perseverance. The path he took to earn a shot at AFL level is a really great story, and he’s someone who is so highly regarded in the VFL competition for what he produced for such a long period with Port Melbourne for a number of years plus Box Hill last season.

“Earning his opportunity to feature for Hawthorn earlier this year, Ethan’s really hungry to get the best out of not only himself, but also others around him. He’s a great character and someone we’re delighted to have in our program.

“With 16 players recommitting for 2024 and now Ethan the first to commit to play his football with us next season, it’s a great show of faith in where we’re heading.”