Gold Coast SUNS Appoint Erin Phillips as GM of Women’s Football

The Gold Coast SUNS have confirmed the appointment of dual-sport pioneer and 2025 AFL Hall of Fame inductee Erin Phillips as the club’s new general manager of Women’s Football.

Phillips, one of the leading figures in the establishment of the AFL Women’s competition, will take control of the club’s AFLW program operations from 2026.

Phillips brings a uniquely decorated and multi-faceted career background to the role, spanning more than 24 years in elite sport, surrounding both professional basketball globally and her highly successful career in Australian Rules Football.

Commenting on her appointment, Phillips, articulated her strategic focus, emphasising the value of institutional learning drawn from her global experience.

“I’ve had over 24 years of experience working in elite programms 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,” Phillips shared. 

Gold Coast SUNS CEO, Mark Evans, highlighted the significance of securing a leader of Erin Phillips’ calibre to drive the next stage of the programs’ evolution.

“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 programs,” Evans said. 

Following her retirement from playing in 2023, Philips gained insights working within the AFL Football Operations department, focusing on Game Analysis, Talent Pathways, and Player Movement.

The appointment signifies the SUNS’ intent to instil a robust high-performance culture across their women’s football division.

Phillips’ decision to relocate her family to the Gold Coast underscores her belief in the club’s potential, asserting her vision that the SUNS “can be an absolute powerhouse.”

Her new mandate involves translating her extensive experience as a three-time premiership player and AFL administrator into foundational cultural and pathway success for the Gold Coast organisation.

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