Phillips

Andrew 'Flipper' Phillips was a rover in the true Carlton mould of the 1980s mosquito fleet. Quick, dangerous and with an eye for goal, Phillips was able to rotate between a forward pocket, half forward and the midfield with ease, exploding onto the scene as a 19 year old in 1989. A clever snap against Collingwood in the last quarter of round 15 sealed a 6 point win for Carlton and signalled his arrival as a senior player.

However, the back troubles which were to ruin his career emerged at the beginning of the 1990 season. The injuries restricted him to just 10 senior appearances for the year. He did manage another dozen games for the reserves that year and he was awarded the reserves best and fairest honour.

He battled through 1991 and was rewarded with state selection for Victoria. Playing at the Gabba, he kicked the goal of the match early in the game and showed he was not out of place at the highest level. At the end of 1991, his Carlton career was over. His degenerative back condition could not stand the rigours of AFL senior football and the number 19 rover was destined to fall short of the 50 game mark. Against the backdrop of this information you should remember that Phillips still came 3rd in Carlton's Best and Fairest count.

Phillips was recruited from Melbourne High School Old Boys (MHSOB), he had played with Waverley Juniors before that. He was also a very talented tennis player in his younger days.

Andrew is a director of Camp Australia and in conjunction with Nike and Uncle Toby's he is trying to combat child obesity.

Career Highlights

1987 - 5th Reserves Best & Fairest
1987 - Reserves Premiership Player
1989 - Reserves Best & Fairest Award
1990 - Reserves Best & Fairest Award
1990 - Reserves Premiership Player
1991 - 3rd Best & Fairest

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