During the "Demolition Derby" in Round 21, 2000, Read was struck numerous times during an attempted fight with Fremantle's Dale Kickett.
This started a melee involving a number of players which led to Kickett being suspended for a total of 9 weeks and Read for two with a hefty fine for multiple wrestling offences.
Read reappeared in the Melbourne seniors midway through the 2006 season but remained a bit-part player for the rest of the year.
Read was voted best on ground in Sandringham's Victorian Football League 2006 Grand Final victory over Geelong.
After signing with Geelong reserves, Phillip Read was then linked to the Subiaco Lions in the WAFL for the 2008 season.