Open Letter – Simon Phillips

It is with heavy heart that I have decided to retire from SANFL football. I knew coming into season 2018 this would be my last, I think as we get older our priorities change with family, work and general life having a greater importance.

The game has given me, my family and friends so much enjoyment over the journey and I have been so fortunate to be a part of the NFC family for the past 11 years.

There are many people I would like to thank for their support during my time at the NFC, many have which rode all the ups and downs throughout my SANFL career.

To NFC host parent Heather Burdette for welcoming me into your home. You had the most difficult task of keeping me and handful of other NFC boys on the straight and narrow.

To the Norwood Football Club, the playing group, coaches, senior management, administration, board members, volunteers and supporters, thank you all for helping me develop as a player and a person.

To the men who served as my senior coaches throughout my career, Trevor Hill, Nathan Bassett, Ben Warren and Jarrod Cotton. Thank you for the opportunities and the incredible strengths you displayed as coaches and people. Thanks also to all the assistant coaches and development coaches that I have worked with throughout the years. Your patience and time to help me develop as a player and person is greatly appreciated.

To all my teammates I’ve played with over the years, thank you for the memories. I’ll miss the laughs and the pub golf sessions we shared, but I look forward to keeping in touch and following your journeys.

To everyone in the medical and fitness departments, trainers and volunteers you dedicate countless hours every week out of shear passion. I can’t thank you enough for trying to keep putting my body back together!

My family means the world to me, and I wouldn’t have had such a long and enjoyable career without their love and support. To my Mum and Dad who dedicated many weekends driving my brothers and me across from Victoria to play footy and cricket. I can’t thank you enough; I know your support gave us the best opportunity to pursue our dreams.

To my brothers Chris and Gavin thanks for all your support and encouragement. There is no doubt our competitive nature stems from all those backyard battles. I can probably throw my sister in there to a lesser degree – thank you.

To my beautiful wife Amber, you have been through all the highs and the lows as much as I have. Your constant love and support is immeasurable, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter has in store with our first little one on the way.

To all the NFC fans who cheered me and kept me honest. I will always appreciate the support and motivation you provided me.

What a journey it has been! It is a satisfying feeling to know that I have given my all for this great club. It was better than I could ever have imagined!

There are many great people that make a club so strong – thank you again for all your unbelievable support throughout the years.

Yours faithfully,

Flipper #12