Hawthorn Football Club is set to welcome debutant Ethan Phillips to the AFL stage this Sunday, marking a significant milestone for the mature-age recruit. Phillips, 24, who joined the Hawks from Port Melbourne to Box Hill during the off-season, has impressed during training under the guidance of coach Sam Mitchell. His inclusion comes after a late-season signing following an ACL injury to James Blanck.
Phillips’ journey to the AFL has been highlighted by a strong VFL season, where he maintained impressive stats including an average of 17.8 disposals and 11.7 marks per game over six appearances for Box Hill. His consistent performance earned him recognition as a recipient of the prestigious Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal, continuing a streak for Hawthorn after the departure of 2023 winner Sam Clohesy to Gold Coast.
Meanwhile, defender Changkuoth Jiath is poised to make his AFL comeback after a year-long absence, having been named in the team on Thursday. Jiath’s return adds further anticipation to Hawthorn’s lineup for their upcoming clash against Yartapuulti, as the team aims to capitalize on their strengthened defensive capabilities.
With captain James Sicily still sidelined, Phillips and Jiath’s return brings renewed energy and depth to the Hawks’ defensive setup, promising an exciting match ahead as Hawthorn seeks to secure a vital win this weekend.