Phillips credited his coach John Cahill as being a big part of his career as a footballer.
"John backed me every day of my career as a Port Adelaide footballer. John made every player believe in himself to be the best we could be, and he was relentlessly positive about what we could achieve whenever we played," he said.
"His constant message was about making those on the ground around you proud of your role for the team and representing your family and friends off the ground to always deliver your best effort."