Is 2025 the year of Will Phillips? 👀😱

[@AussieAquatic]

Better team performance will lift all the individuals too. Beat Nick Daicos for 3 quarters and now we all believe!!

[@buttagash]

Aside from his excellent tackling, natural distribution skills and vision--his speed for a contested ball player is overlooked as one asset that's critically undervalued. In his draft year, Will Phillips ran the 20m sprint a sub 3 second time. He's got the speed, but perhaps not the endurance over four quarters, to move the ball from contests and use his skills to create scoring opportunities. His endurance getting from contest to contest didn't quite stand up late in games. It showed in the dying seconds of one VFL when he missed a critical contested ball win that nearly cost the VFL team the game. We all know he needs time at senior level to develop endurance and learn from these contested ball mistakes. As long as he can run out senior AFL games next season, his overall package will be critical for us beyond 2025. He's looking fit and running well so far, his attitude is first class, and he's got the natural leadership skills to make his team mates walk taller as we did against Collingwood when he played such a critical part. Good luck Will.

[@KangaTVShow]

@@buttagash definitely needs time. Hope he can find it before it runs out

[@effkay3691]

He’s got all the skills. It’s up to him.

[@billbaggins1688]

Man he is ripped. I think he has a place in the midfield rotation as a real in and under distributor. I hope he has a good run at this year, with some consistent selection. It is hard to cement your spot when you don't get the oppostunities. And Clarko cost us the game against Collingwood by subbing him off at 3/4 time imho.

[@KangaTVShow]

I wonder if there was an issue with hit fitness in that Pies game, it’s the only reason I could think of at the time (and even now) as to why he was subbed off. Hopefully a big 2025 is on the way!

[@gregoryforster1373]

He was tanked in the 3rd qtr.daicos was already getting on top so he put a fresh man on him.he done Philips a favour

[@darrinfalkner7801]

For those that can remember Daniel Harris, Will gives me Harro vibes, brilliant with ball in hand and whilst not slow, struggles to get from contest to contest. He’s come back ripped, but unless that translates to repeated efforts getting to contests, it won’t help. I’m a huge fan and hope he can finally clear himself of any lingering health issues.🔵⚪️

[@KangaTVShow]

@ LOVE harro !

[@ConCreter]

I really hope he does a lot of work with Luke Parker and turns into an inside mid beast.

[@KangaTVShow]

@@ConCreter great shout, he could learn a lot that’s for sure !!!!!

[@sbriffa70]

Nice work Marnie and I am thoroughly enjoying your content. Keep up the great work. Previously on Open Mike, the late Matt Rendell declared that Will Phillips the next “Matt Rowell”. All Phillips needs is a clear run and he will develop into a fine player for us. He has quick hands and an effective kick disposal.

[@KangaTVShow]

@@sbriffa70 thanks so much for the kind words! Agree I think Will has a lot to offer, here’s hoping he can deliver soon 🤞

[@jaiigr7058]

loooks shredded, i still think theres an absolute gun there, missing an entire season through glandular fever was a hell of a setback for a 19yo but then also he was one of the covid year draftees who didnt play their entire junior season which when u combine the 2 is a hell of a way to start your career for any afl footballer. I think hes one we really need to persist with because im really concerned that if we dont hes going to become an absolute star for someone else.

[@KangaTVShow]

@@jaiigr7058 I hope so too! But time is running out, here’s hoping 2025 is his year 🤞🤞

[@Gindolfin-7]

Glandular fever is pretty serious and can set you back 2-4 years. Not ideal in a professional sport where athletes need to be in peak condition. If he can get through the recovery phase, and Nth show patience and support and keep him on the books, you'll then start to see him as the player he was as a junior.

[@KangaTVShow]

@ 🤞🤞🤞🤍🤍

[@craigcooper9534]

Let’s stop putting pressure on the bloke, let him just go and play. We drafted him at 3 for a reason, he must be able to play.

[@gustaaf1892]

If WilPhil doesn't make it as an effective tagger he is finished. He did show a bit of promise in that role, so there is some hope that he can prolong his AFL career. He is handball dominant, which is fine when you're a tagger. It would be nice to still get a return on that #3 pick.

[@MickBooth-s1z]

I hope you’re right, very likeable player, hope he can prove the naysayers wrong. Go will Phil

[@petergilbert3861]

Great summary. Hopefully Will can forge a place for himself 👍

[@KangaTVShow]

@@petergilbert3861 thanks so much! I agree☺️

[@brettcoles5262]

Please use your mic a little better and or closer. This will be the year of Will Phill mark my words.

[@KangaTVShow]

Here’s hoping!

[@Glitch2309-SI]

If you watch his junior highlights package, you will notice two things: 1-he is ball hunter/loose ball get, and 2-He is effective forward of the ball (HF/FF). I wanted Will Phillips at NM at that draft. They got him. They got clean ball use, endurance, competitiveness, and leadership. Now for what ever reason, Will Phillips has gone missing. His ball use has been less than average. Apart from the tagging role on Daicos, he has been less than competitive at times. The striking thing for me has been his lack of endurance (considering this was one of his strengths). I have a theory and it has to do with the glandular fever. I wonder if it has left a lasting effect on him? I looked up some information and I think from the way he presents himself, it could make sense: Glandular fever, also known as infectious mononucleosis, is often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It can significantly impact both brain function and endurance, which are critical areas for athletes, particularly those competing at elite levels. Brain Function: Glandular fever is associated with symptoms of cognitive impairment, often called "brain fog," that can affect concentration, memory, and overall mental clarity. This cognitive decline is thought to be due to both direct and indirect effects of the virus on the central nervous system, as well as from the body’s immune response to the infection. For athletes, this mental fatigue can interfere with decision-making, reaction times, and mental resilience, all of which are essential for high-level performance. Endurance and Physical Performance: Glandular fever typically causes prolonged fatigue and muscle weakness, which can last for weeks or even months. This fatigue can reduce aerobic capacity, making it difficult for athletes to maintain the physical intensity required for elite sports. Additionally, the body may remain in a weakened state long after acute symptoms resolve, which makes it harder to return to pre-illness fitness levels. Training too soon after infection can risk complications like an enlarged spleen, which is a particular danger in contact sports, as it can lead to spleen rupture if impacted. Recovery and Return to Sport: For athletes, recovery timelines can vary widely. Most guidelines recommend several weeks of rest and a gradual return to training, emphasizing monitoring for any resurgence of fatigue or symptoms. Returning too quickly can prolong recovery or increase the risk of chronic fatigue, making it essential for elite athletes to manage their comeback carefully. In summary, glandular fever can impair cognitive function and significantly reduce endurance, both of which can hinder an athlete's performance and recovery if not managed with appropriate rest and gradual reintegration into training Now I am not saying its just this, but it may be a factor. Another factor related to this is whether or not NM effectively managed his recovery well enough during COVID. I really do hope he raises his levels this year, and I hope NM keep him. I can imagine him going elsewhere and outperforming what he has done so far by a mile. For me, he plays as a rover forward of the ball. On the ball he can be quite good, but his ball use has been poor at times.

[@KangaTVShow]

@@Glitch2309-SI great insight, hopefully he can show some of this next season as I think he is (for the most part) really loved by supporters who just want to see him thrive

[@gregoryforster1373]

@@Glitch2309-SI he better improve or he will be delisted

[@gregoryforster1373]

He seems like a nice guy but needs to get the ball more and be more damaging .

[@garykruger28]

Those his age and around his area, especially women, would say otherwise but he does come across this way in the media

[@billbaggins1688]

@@garykruger28 wtf are you on mate?

[@garykruger28]

@ he’s a creep to girls. Has been since high school. Well known amongst people his age and in area he grew up

[@witty10301]

@@garykruger28 doubt that mate 😂 seems a mature bloke

[@jeffallen981]

Being a nice guy counts for nothing.

[@jeffallen981]

Well he's not seriously going to play in the midfield. No room. Simpkin will be lucky to get a game. Make sheez captain now.

[@garykruger28]

Pls use same mic as Josh

[@Mrdoublebassist]

He is a shinboner .. Huge year 💙🤍

[@bomberwarren]

He was really atarting to play some good football in 24

[@Jacpark]

With a physique/6 pack he now has, I am sure it maybe the Ladies who will also be screaming, or squealing lol

[@johnrozzi687]

He has played some good games but hasn't been given enough opportunities . If this continues, he will be a steal for another club who will invest in him and give him the on-field time he deserves.

[@benjaminstephens5489]

He is played out of position Clarkson will give him a role

[@joey8240]

No chance that’s why they gave him only one year contract, can’t believe we picked a slow short can’t kick player with pick 3

[@kpbrowne2996]

Hope it's a big year for Wil....💙🤍🦘