The now 17-year-old took out the first ever Maddy Collier Medal, awarded to the league's best and fairest player, on her way to guiding her Tigers to the premiership against the Wollongong Lions.

Staying true to form, the St Johns student was also awarded player of the grand final.

"I feel very humbled and honoured to have won those two personal accolades - as they, and the grand final win, are memories I'll cherish forever," Phillips said.

"It's such a privilege to have the opportunity to play women's AFL and I have well and truly found my love for the game at Bomaderry."

After a change of coach, will Geoff Gibbs taking over, Phillips' Tigers will start their premierships defence on Saturday at Artie Smith Oval from 12.30pm.

"Everyone wants to step it up this season and take our games to the next level, because we know the other teams are going to," she said.

"Having won all those awards drives me to improve as an athlete and continue to strive for bigger things.

"Obviously pressure comes with winning those awards, but I try not let it effect me and just keep playing my natural game, while enjoying my footy.

"From the team perspective, we've had great numbers at training and everyone is focused on the same goal - it's awesome to have so many people want to be involved in the sport."

This day will also see all three Tigers premiership sides receive their flags from the 2018 season, with them being presented between the women's match and men's premier division fixture.

In the lead up to Saturday, Phillips has taken part in Taylah Harris kick challenge, which saw the Cambewarra product recognised by one of her idols.

"Taylah Harris is a big inspiration to me, along with so many other AFLW players," she said.

"To see her turn a bad situation into a good one was inspiring all females to chase their dreams.

"It was incredible to be recognised by Taylah - I was very excited."

Following in Harris footsteps is obviously one of Phillips long-term goals and to ensure she achieves it, she has a number of steps in place.

"I have been training with the Illawarra Academy of Sport in preparation for the NSW/ACT under 18s trials at the end of the month," she said.

"If selected, I'll compete at nationals later in the year.

"This would help me achieve my goal of the AFLW, which I hope inspires other young girls to play footy and chase their dreams."