Andrew Phillips Biography

Andrew Phillips announces his retirement from the AFL at the end of the 2023 season.

"I've been privileged to represent three great football clubs over the journey and I'll always have a soft spot for the club. I've loved my past four years here and it's the people here who have made my time in the red and black so enjoyable," Phillips said.

"As I've gotten older, I've realised that the most enjoyment you get out of football is working with your teammates and seeing them flourish. To be able to play alongside and guide my fellow rucks has been crucial to me enjoying my footy and I can't wait to see what they achieve in their careers."

Now at his third club, Andrew Phillips wants to be the Bombers' No.1 ruckman in 2020, a spot he will be competing for, or sharing, with Tom Bellchambers.

"I'd love for us both to be out there on the field but the chances are, with the way things are going, teams don't really go that way as much anymore," Phillips said.

"It's obviously hard, we're both jostling for the same spot and we both want to be out there playing but the reality is it's probably only going to be one of us.

"At this stage, obviously I've just walked in the door, and we're both trying to put our hand up. Match [simulation] training is starting to heat up now and drills are getting more intense so it's a good opportunity for both of us to try and put our best foot forward to stamp our claim on round one."

Carlton trade Andrew Phillips to Essendon in the first deal between the arch-rivals in 16 years.

The Bombers handed over 57 and 70 to the Blues in exchange for the 28-year-old while also receiving picks 61 and 72.

"We have been transparent about our desire to add another ruckman to our list, and Andrew is a talented tap ruckman. After nine years in the AFL system, he will also provide important experience and leadership," Essendon head of recruiting Adrian Dodoro said.

Essendon recruit Andrew Phillips' striking resemblance to new Bombers teammate Aaron Francis sparks a flurry of memes on social media.

Andrew Phillips will be sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering a recurrence of a pre-season foot injury.

"He has had surgery and will be sidelined for approximately 12 weeks, which ultimately rules him out for the remainder of our season," Carlton head of football Andrew McKay said.

"We are incredibly disappointed for Andrew, but he will now set his sights on a strong 2018 pre-season campaign in full health."

Carlton places Andrew Phillips, who has succumbed to a stress reaction in his left foot, on the long-term injury list.

The big man has avoided surgery on his troublesome foot but will still be sidelined for up to eight weeks.

Phillips saw a specialist during the week, with rest rather than surgery recommended as the appropriate course of action.

Andrew Phillips faces a major interruption to his pre-season after suffering a stress reaction in his left foot.

Phillips will not have surgery but his time on the sidelines will be determined after he consults with a specialist.

"While it's disappointing Andrew has sustained this injury, he'll be determined to get back out on the park as soon as possible," Carlton football manager Andrew McKay said.

"He is extremely professional in his approach to football, and we know he will work as hard as he can to recover in readiness for the 2017 season."

Carlton will be without ruckman Andrew Phillips for at least a couple of weeks after he strained a hamstring at training during the week.

Troy Menzel has been traded to Adelaide for Sam Kerridge, in a deal that has paved the way for the Blues to pick up four Giants youngsters.

Menzel, the No.11 pick in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, joined Adelaide in exchange for Kerridge and pick No.28 at lunchtime on Wednesday.

In a separate deal, the Blues then on-traded pick No.28 together with No.77, 95 and Geelong's 2016 first-round pick (acquired in the Lachie Henderson trade) to Greater Western Sydney for Lachie Plowman, Jed Lamb, Andrew Phillips and Liam Sumner and pick No.8.

Andrew Phillips re-signs with GWS until the end of 2017.

"The five years I've spent at the Giants have been great. I've slotted in really well here and I can see where the Giants are heading and I want to be part of it," Phillips said.

"It's been a frustrating couple of years on the sidelines for me with injuries but the body is coming right now and I'm hoping that in the next couple of years here I can really cement my spot."

Andrew Phillips has opened up about the tough times he had during his rehabilitation from long-term injury and how Greater Western Sydney's psychologist helped get him through it.

"It's pretty lonely in rehab," Phillips said.

"There's a lot of time spent by yourself and you're always away from the main group.

"But the boys here do really well trying to get around you, and the physios and Rosie the psychologist, you really get a push to talk to them.

"The club encourages long-term rehabbers to talk to Rosie.

"I was a little bit sceptical to start with, but after a couple of weeks of chatting to her, I found it really helped me progress and get through it."

Andrew Phillips will make his return to the GWS senior side after spending all of 2013 dealing with hamstring issues.

"It's a great story," GWS coach Leon Cameron said. "Andrew hasn't played since 2012.

"His last four weeks in the NEAFL have been terrific; he's really put his hand up and we look forward to seeing him on Sunday.

"It also gives Jon (Giles) a chance to play more forward. Having two genuine ruckmen coming into this game is important."

The Giants have protected their young stars from swooping rivals, confirming seven players have signed new deals with the club.

Jonathon Patton, Dom Tyson, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Andrew Phillips and Sam Frost have committed until the end of the 2015 AFL season while Curtly Hampton and Aidan Corr signed through 2016.

"Everyone wants success, that is why you play the game and I think we are in the best position we can possibly be in," Patton said.

"The club has done an amazing job to put this list together. We have a lot of talent here. This is a great club to be at. This is a club you don't want to leave."

Andrew Phillips makes his AFL debut for GWS at Manuka Oval with 6 disposals (3 kicks and 3 handballs), a mark, 2 tackles and 9 hitouts in a 27-point win over Gold Coast.