Adelaide Crows star Erin Phillips hopes she'll be ready to run out with her team in round one next year, after suffering a potentially career-ending knee injury in this season's grand final.
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The dual premiership captain underwent knee reconstruction surgery in the off-season, after tearing her left ACL in the Crows' win against Carlton in March.
"I'm doing everything I can (and) I'm feeling really good, things have been really positive since I've been back and the training I've been doing." Phillips said.
"If I get the all clear, I'll be there."
Despite the injury, her grand final performance won Phillips the award for best on field, and just days later, she limped on stage to receive the league's best and fairest gong.
She was also named skipper of the All-Australian team.
The 34-year-old, having suffered an ACL injury in her other leg years earlier, knew the challenge ahead of her and contemplated retiring.
"You have moments where you think maybe I'll never get back to running let alone playing physical AFL," Phillips said.
"Being through it before has helped me, I've experienced the difficult days and understood this time that they are normal."
Phillips is hoping she'll again lead her team in their round one clash with the Brisbane Lion on February 8.
Australian Associated Press
