The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have elevated rookie Andrew Phillips to the club’s senior list after placing Setanta O’hAilpin on the long-term injury list with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
The 201cm ruckman was recruited from Lauderdale in Tasmania with pick number four the 2010 NAB AFL Rookie Draft. Phillips impressed in 2011 with his ruck work for the GIANTS in the NEAFL.
Phillips will now become the 24th GIANT to make his AFL debut this year, with Head Coach Kevin Sheedy confirming the 20-year-old will line up against the Gold Coast Suns at Manuka Oval this Saturday.
“We felt this was the right time and opportunity to give Andrew a go,” Sheedy said. “With the loss of Setanta, I think we can now look to the tall Tasmanian and throw him into this challenge to step up to AFL football.
“Over the years we’ve seen a number of great footballers carve out a long career for themselves after being given an opportunity off the rookie list. I’m excited to be able to give this opportunity to Andrew.”
Phillips said that he was looking forward to the challenge of playing AFL football but was disappointed to see the loss of Setanta.
“It’s unfortunate that Setanta is injured and we all feel for him but I’m excited to be given the opportunity to step up in to the senior team and try and fill that hole.
“Sheeds got up in front of all the boys and told us together that because Setanta unfortunately has gone down I would be elevated and would be lucky enough to be playing my first game this weekend.
“Playing against the Gold Coast in Canberra should be a great contest, this is the best young talent in the AFL at the moment.
“I’d like to be playing up against Zach Smith on the weekend, he is Gold Coast’s number one ruckman so that will give me a good gage of where I’m at and how good I can be.”
Click on the video below to view the second episode or CLICK HERE to view it on YouTube.
AFL Premiership Season Round 7
GWS GIANTS v Gold Coast SUNS
Saturday May 12
Manuka Oval, ACT, 1.40pm
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKET TO THE MATCH
By Rebecca Mills
