The Gold Coast SUNS are pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Phillips as the club’s new General Manager of Women’s Football.

Boasting an esteemed resume at the elite levels in both and Australian Rules Football and Basketball, the 2025 AFL Hall of Fame inductee and three-time AFLW premiership player will oversee the operations of the club’s AFL Women’s program from 2026, stepping into the role vacated by Fiona Sessarago.

As one of the leading pioneers of elite women’s football in Australia, Phillips brings a plethora of knowledge and experience to the SUNS AFLW program.

Phillips shared her excitement to begin a new venture at the Gold Coast SUNS.

“This role brings together everything that I'm really passionate about; working in a team, working in high performance, building a program and helping athletes get the absolute best out of themselves and hopefully we can have some success through that,” Phillips told SUNS media.

“I've had over 24 years of experience working in elite programs all around the world. So, I've been blessed to see how some of the great ones operate and learn from ones that haven't done so well.

“I want this culture to be team first – I want people to walk through these doors and love being here and I want them to come here, get better and go home and can't wait to come back tomorrow.”

Across eight AFLW seasons as a player, Phillips was a trailblazer on and off the field, serving as captain at both Adelaide and Port Adelaide, earning three All Australian selections alongside multiple AFLW and club Best & Fairest awards.

Since hanging up the boots in 2023 as one of the AFLW’s most decorated players, the mother of four has continued to be an influential figure in the sport, working within the AFL Football Operations department in roles supporting Game Analysis, Talent Pathways, Player Movement and Player Engagement across the AFLW.

“During my time at the AFL, I learnt a lot by just being able to go out to different clubs and seeing how they operate,” Phillips added.

“I always admired the Gold Coast SUNS and I just feel like this was a really perfect fit for me.

“Tracy and I moving four kids from Adelaide to the Gold Coast speaks volumes of just how much I believe in this club and this team. I wouldn't have even considered if I didn't have that full belief that this team can be an absolute powerhouse.”

Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Officer Mark Evans said the club is thrilled to welcome a leader of Phillips’ calibre to the club.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Erin as the new General Manager of Women’s Football at the Gold Coast SUNS,” Evans shared.

“With an extensive and decorated background in both elite basketball and football, Erin embodies the ambition and professionalism we want to instil within our group.

“We believe her knowledge and expertise will help provide the tools to develop a high performing environment that ultimately drives success within our women’s program.

“We’re excited to see our football club take the next steps forward under Erin’s guidance in the years to come.”