Player Watch #29: Will Phillips [Part II] - Extends to End of 2025

[Devington]

Just needs to be able to motor to every contest.

Yep, my early thoughts for him is that he had the attributes to be alternating between being the guy getting down and dirty extracting it from the contest or the one who is next in line and gets the hot ball, and then gets it to a safe option. Then just motors from contest to contest, hopefully being one of the preferred options to kick inside 50 (it's been iffy at times, but he's more than capable of some killer 20-30 meter passes into the 50).

The tagging aspect of his game is another good string to add to his arsenal and will hold him in good stead with better players being the first choice(s) for the other roles, but it's the ability to get from contest to contest that will be the basis of his game and it's what he needs improvement on most.

Fingers crossed, but time waits for no one.

 

[marklovesbeer]

Not sure Jars could drop the ball over his pergola nowadays..

View attachment 2160771

One of the all-time greats though.

I seen him at a South Adelaide Vs North Adelaide game 18 months ago. We both had the same idea to beat the half time crowd to the North club rooms bar.
He was twice the size he is in that photo. It’s crazy how some of these guys balloon post football.

 

[Hojuman]

I seen him at a South Adelaide Vs North Adelaide game 18 months ago. We both had the same idea to beat the half time crowd to the North club rooms bar.
He was twice the size he is in that photo. It’s crazy how some of these guys balloon post football.

If he's twice the size of that photo he'll be looking at diabetes 1 / 2, an AMI or CVA in the near future. Sad.

 

[Jimmac31]

But he does have a contract. It's done. IMO when talking about a currently fringe player the mature thing at this point is to buckle up, hope for the best and support the kid. Nothing we do now from the outside changes his contract position and he deserves a clean run at things without abuse from the sidelines.

Agreed, support the young players through development. But for some around here, if players in the starting 18 "shouldn't be on an AFL list" then there's no hope for the 20-25th best player.

I know someone who says Larkey isn't good enough, would prefer Teakle. Yet can't believe Geordie Payne wasn't given a game since the day we drafted him in the mid.

 

[KiwiRoo]

Not sure Jars could drop the ball over his pergola nowadays..

View attachment 2160771

One of the all-time greats though.

That is one big roof over the tool shed
He wouldnt have seen his toes in years

 

[DunderHead]

That is one big roof over the tool shed
He wouldnt have seen his toes in years

Good for him. He’s earned it.

 

[DuckYeah]

Good for him. He’s earned it.

campaigner wants smash pies and drink froffs without an ounce of guilt? Who gives a shit. Too many people care about how others live their lives. If they aren’t bring scumbags, who really gives a shit?

 

[Frank Thring]

Is he over his gladular fever yet?

 

[Roostorm]

Well we can’t accuse him of not getting ready…..nah get around him…hope he grabs it like big x did….

 

[Junk yard]

Is he over his gladular fever yet?

Should be good after another four preseasons. Or maybe like EVW, Perez and co he just never was.

 

[shintemaster]

Some of you lot need to take a good look at yourselves and pull your heads in.

 

[DuckYeah]

Nothing? Okay result in the 2km? You would think its a positive sign that he’s been working hard in the off season? No? Been working on his endurance? Nah?

 

[7577969923]

Nothing? Okay result in the 2km? You would think its a positive sign that he’s been working hard in the off season? No? Been working on his endurance? Nah?

I agree it's a really solid sign. He has come back looking in ripper nick. There is no doubt that Will will leave no stone unturned in his efforts to establish himself as an AFL-level footballer.

Between COVID-19 wiping out his draft year and significant bouts of COVID-19 and Glandular fever, he has struggled to get a consistent run of things. Hopefully, this year, there will be no setbacks, and he can really crack in.

 

[LB2Snake]

I agree it's a really solid sign. He has come back looking in ripper nick. There is no doubt that Will will leave no stone unturned in his efforts to establish himself as an AFL-level footballer.

Between COVID-19 wiping out his draft year and significant bouts of COVID-19 and Glandular fever, he has struggled to get a consistent run of things. Hopefully, this year, there will be no setbacks, and he can really crack in.

We just need to see him play like his draft vids. Motoring at a constant speed and always involved. That’ll do for me. Kid’s got class

 

[Blightys Barrel]

Talk about being ripped. Looking very lean and hungry on Day 1 of preseason.

 

[shinboner magic]

Bring it big fella

 

[hotchilli]

Make or break year for him and certainly gets the early tick to return in good condition.

Certainly no guarantees the rest of it clicks but hopefully leaves no stone unturned.

 

[DuckYeah]

Make or break year for him and certainly gets the early tick to return in good condition.

Certainly no guarantees the rest of it clicks but hopefully leaves no stone unturned.

There isnt any guarantee but the only thing ultimately letting him down was his aerobic endurance. Even If he is 25% better than last year he will be a huge asset.

 

[hotchilli]

There isnt any guarantee but the only thing ultimately letting him down was his aerobic endurance. Even If he is 25% better than last year he will be a huge asset.

Potentially but it's very much at the stage where he has to prove that assumption is true.

 

[murray wrensted]

I believe

 

[Elite Master]

Z transformed his body shape last pre-season too and he went from a disappointment to a mediocre. Good on Phillips for putting in the hard yards, but it does not change anything.

 

[Chadwiko]

Talk about being ripped. Looking very lean and hungry on Day 1 of preseason.

 

[I Want To Believe]

I believe

Me too

 

[roos_fanatic08]

At this stage, it's all about the little wins with Phillips, if he ends up coming on and being a genuine best 22 player, then we'll be all the better for it.

Improving his 2km time trial is an example of little win! Hopefully the little wins add up and he can be a regular contributor in 2025.

 

[LB2Snake]

At this stage, it's all about the little wins with Phillips, if he ends up coming on and being a genuine best 22 player, then we'll be all the better for it.

Improving his 2km time trial is an example of little win! Hopefully the little wins add up and he can be a regular contributor in 2025.

I just want him to get to Lachie Neale levels, then I’ll be happy.