Redemption at the ‘G: Tom Phillips Comes Home to Collingwood Football Club on One-Year Deal After Hawthorn Football Club Exit
In a story that blends resilience, unfinished business, and football romance, Tom Phillips has completed a remarkable return to Collingwood Football Club, signing a one-year contract that offers him a fresh chance to revive his AFL career. After being delisted by Hawthorn, the hardworking wingman is back where his top-flight journey first took shape—wearing black and white once more.
Phillips’ AFL story began at Collingwood, where he quickly built a reputation as a tireless runner with a relentless work ethic. Across multiple seasons, he became a dependable presence on the wing, admired for his endurance, discipline, and team-first mentality. However, as competition for spots intensified and list dynamics shifted, his time at the club came to an end, opening the door to a new chapter at Hawthorn.
That chapter, though filled with effort and professionalism, proved short-lived. Despite pushing for opportunities, Phillips found himself on the fringes as the Hawks reshaped their list, eventually leading to his delisting. For many players, such a moment can signal the closing of doors—but for Phillips, it became the spark for a determined comeback.
Collingwood’s decision to re-sign Phillips on a one-year deal reflects both belief and pragmatism. The Magpies see value in his experience, fitness base, and familiarity with the club’s standards and culture. He arrives without fanfare, but with hunger—something that often proves invaluable over the course of a long AFL season.
Speaking after the signing, Phillips is understood to be focused less on sentiment and more on contribution. This return is not about nostalgia; it is about proving he still belongs at the highest level. Training standards, selection pressure, and performance will decide his fate—but the opportunity is now firmly back in his hands.
For Collingwood supporters, Phillips’ homecoming is a reminder that football careers are rarely linear. For the player himself, it is a chance at redemption on the very stage where his AFL dreams first came alive. One year. One club. One last push to show that his best football is not yet behind him.
