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Crows star follows up grand final win with MVP nod

Erin Phillips of the Crows has been named best and fairest for the inaugural AFLW season. (AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)
Roar Guru
27th March, 2017
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Adelaide’s AFLW premiership-winning co-captain Erin Phillips has taken out the AFL Players’ Association most valuable player award.

It continues a stunning season for Phillips who collected the medal for best afield in the Crows’ thrilling grand final win over Brisbane on Saturday.

Olympic basketballer Phillips claimed the peer-voted award with 204 votes, ahead of star Melbourne midfielder Karen Paxman (149 votes) and Carlton’s Darcy Vescio (132).

“I’m incredibly humbled to have won this award,” Phillips said.

“To be recognised by your peers is something all athletes hold in high esteem and this is something I will hold very close to my heart for a long time.

“I’m so proud of what we, as AFLW players, have been able to achieve over the past eight weeks and look forward to what the future holds for all of us as players and aspiring female footballers right across Australia.”

Phillips wasn’t the only Crow recognised on Monday, co-captain Chelsea Randall taking out the most courageous player award at a ceremony in Melbourne.

Melbourne captain Daisy Pearce collected the best captain award ahead of Phillips and Brisbane’s Emma Zielke.

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“Congratulations to Erin, Chelsea and Daisy for their performances throughout the season and earning the recognition of the wider playing group as such worthy winners of these awards,” AFLPA chief executive Paul Marsh said.

“Erin’s ability to have such an impact on the competition off the back of her basketball commitments is testament to her incredible skill, athleticism and toughness.

“Chelsea is the ultimate professional and a big reason why the Crows are premiers, while Daisy’s leadership qualities were obvious long before the AFLW competition arrived.”

Phillips, who won a silver medal with the Opals at the Beijing Olympic Games, will return to basketball duties with WNBA club the Dallas Wings following the debut season of the AFLW.

The 31-year-old is the frontrunner for the AFLW best and fairest award, the equivalent of the Brownlow Medal, to be announced at a gala ceremony in Melbourne on Tuesday evening.

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