34. SAM PHILP

THE curtain has been drawn on an unprecedented 2020 season for the Navy Blues.

Trading Ikon Park for 10 different hotel hubs across Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it’s been a year we won’t soon forget.

With the final siren having rung on the final game, it’s time to look at those who featured in five or more games for Carlton or made their AFL debuts in 2020.

Here’s the year that was for Carlton’s Sam Philp.


GAMES

2020: 2
Career: 2

GOALS

2020: 1
Career: 1 

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):

Disposals: 14 (7) Contested possessions: 9 (4.5) Tackles: 3 (1.5) One percenters: 4 (2) Intercepts: 8 (4)


OVERVIEW

After being drafted with pick No.20 in the 2019 NAB AFL Draft, Sam Philp broke through to play two games in his first AFL season.

A speedy half forward that will likely push into the midfield, Philp recorded the fastest sprint time at the NAB AFL Draft Combine last year and arrived at Ikon Park determined to impress his new teammates.

Showing his flair in the reserves side with his pace and consistency, Philp was a valuable asset and showed there was plenty to work with in hopefully a long career in Navy Blue.

Blues fans will have plenty of time to see what the youngster can do, with Philp signing a two-year contract extension, committing to the Club until at least 2023.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Receiving the late call-up after Zac Fisher came out through illness, Philp’s best senior showing came in his second AFL game against St Kilda.

On a Thursday night at Marvel Stadium, Philp’s nerves were settled when he slotted his first AFL goal.

From there, the teenager got more and more involved as the game went on, applying pressure and showing his cleanliness around the ball in promising early signs.


SEASON HIGHLIGHT

Having grown up in the terraces of the MCG where his dad works, a debut at the home of football against arch enemy Essendon couldn’t have been more poetic for Sam Philp.

Debuting for the Blues in their one-point win over the Bombers, it was a first game to remember for Philp in a season to remember.

Admitting to some pre-match nerves which would get the better of everyone, an important contested possession in the final quarter was a crucial one for Philp, as the Blues ultimately held on for a memorable victory.

THEY SAID IT

When the youngster signed his new contract, List Manager Nick Austin was full of praise for the emerging Philp.

“We’ve seen some promising signs from Sam during his first two AFL games, but that is just a glimpse of what we see from him every day at training,” Austin said.

“His speed around the contest and tackling pressure is impressive and those strengths are only going to grow over time given how hard we see him work.

“We are excited to see Sam continue to develop as a player and person with the Carlton Football Club and for our members and fans to enjoy the excitement he will bring on game day.”