In defence of Tom Phillips

[Pies2016]

Thought his game against Brisbane was his best yet.
His aerobic ability to involve himself as an extra in defence and attack, are instrumental in us forcing the ball to the outside.
He is still only played 30 games, is durable and most importantly, he is CONSISTANT.
The wings have never been more important in football and he and Sidey are easily our best gut runners.
Yes, he makes mistakes, is terribly one sided but he just keeps getting the ball week in, week out as good as anyone.
At around pick 60 and virtually an automatic selection since the day he debuted, this kid has representaed great value.
Surely it’s time to ease up and finally give this kid the credit he deserves.

[dalyc]

No argument here. Even great sides need role players. He’s got a role he plays it well.

[Jezza]

Cops too much undeserved flak.

Love the way he goes about it.

[HAL]

Sometimes I think love is just a biological urge. Other times LOVE seems like a spiritual quality. Love, unlike energy or matter, seems limitless.

[Clemo]

85% efficiency tonight - enuff said

[PyreneesPie]

Well said. He's getting better with every game he plays and he kept us in it with his aerobic capacity and ability to keep going when so many were so, so tired.

[sherrife]

Totally, I posted this in the post-game thread:

Phillips was and has been excellent all year. 28 disposals @ 86% efficiency, 8 contested, 4 clearances plus a goal. He's becoming an extremely good contributor for such a young player, very reliable, and as he grows with confidence I bet his mistakes will drop.

[PyreneesPie]

[thebaldfacts]

Was not sold on him, but he is starting to win me over.

One of our best today.

[slangman]

Phillips has taken his game up a notch the last month.
He was very good today.

[inxs88]

He gets the ball more and plays more than Aish

[melliot]

A good player. Not a great one. At least not yet. Is a consistent contributor most weeks. And a player oppositions need to worry about cos he can cause damage like death by a thousand cuts.

[Donny]

Did the trick, Pies'16.

Just after you opened this topic, Phillips scored 4, 5 and 4 in the next 3 GB Medal votes.

[MatthewBoydFanClub]

He keeps getting votes from me, so he's more than just a good player. He's a very good player who has raised his game to a new level this year. One of the first picked players in the side and in line for his first top 10 finish in the Copeland trophy this year if he keeps this up.

[AN_Inkling]

He's been good all year and showing more composure with ball in hand. Has actually shown an ability to finish in front of goals as well.

Becoming a good player and solidly in our best 22.