After a sound pre-season so far, Carlton ruckman Andrew Phillips says he’s poised to make his mark in his new colours.
The 24-year-old, who was a member of Greater Western Sydney’s inaugural squad, managed just 14 games in four injury-interrupted seasons with the Giants.
But the big man has barely missed a beat since arriving at Ikon Park during last year’s trade period, with his intensity and agility standing out on the track.
“The last four years have been interrupted with injury, so it’s really exciting that I’ve been able to get through a full pre-season,” Phillips told the media at Ikon Park on Wednesday.
“The body’s feeling really good. To lead into a season having had a full pre-season is pretty exciting.”
With 15 new players and a healthy list, Phillips says Carlton’s competition for spots will be intense during the NAB Challenge.
Watch Andrew Phillips' highlights
The Blues open their pre-season account against Hawthorn in Tasmania on February 18, with a return to his home state firmly in Phillips’ sights.
“I’m hopeful to play – absolutely,” Phillips said.
“We’ve got a lot of talls and plenty of players who are fit and ready for selection, so it’s going to be a really tight (selection) process.”
While having some familiar faces alongside him in ex-Giants Lachie Plowman, Liam Sumner and Jed Lamb, Phillips says it hasn't taken long to feel at home at Carlton.
“Within a week of coming here, I already felt comfortable around the boys,” he said.
“There are so many players and it’s a revamped club. The vibe’s been really good and the boys have been excited. There’s a really good atmosphere around the Club at the moment.”
And as for coach Brendon Bolton?
“He loves getting those pearly whites out. He smiles a lot and he’s always up and about, but he grits his teeth when he wants to, and you see the other side to him pretty quickly.”
If you’d like to meet Andrew Phillips, Brendon Bolton and the rest of the playing group, make sure you head along to Carlton’s Family Day this Sunday at Ikon Park. Click here for more details
