The Essendon Football Club today announced that AFLW player Catherine Phillips has been placed on the inactive list for the 2023 season.

Phillips told her teammates last night of the exciting news that she is expecting her first child later this year. 

The 31-year-old played all 10 games in the Bombers’ inaugural season, taking her total AFLW games to 54.

Head of AFLW Aysha Ward congratulated Phillips on her announcement. 

“We are thrilled for Cat and Pete with the news they are expecting their first child,” Ward said.

“Cat was an integral part of our inaugural season. We wish her all the best with her pregnancy and we look forward to the leadership she will continue to provide our playing group off the field in Season Eight."

Essendon will look to fill the vacant AFLW list spot over the coming weeks, with pre-season training starting on Monday, May 29.