In 2022, Phillips was awarded the Fothergill–Round–Mitchell Medal as the most promising young talent in the VFL.[4] He averaged 17.3 disposals in his 18 games for Port Melbourne in 2023.[5]
On 17 February 2024, Hawthorn announced they had signed Phillips to the club's rookie list in the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP).[5] Phillips was signed after Hawthorn defender James Blanck suffered an ACL injury, which meant he would miss the entire 2024 AFL season.[7]
Phillips continued to play in the VFL for Box Hill at the start of the 2024 season.[8] He made his AFL debut in round 10 against Port Adelaide.[9] Phillips played just the one match before being delisted at the end of the season.[10]