He participated in the Auskick program at Milgate Primary School in Doncaster East, Victoria.

[2] He attended Caulfield Grammar School, where he excelled at Australian rules football and running.

[4] Phillips played for the Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup, appearing in 12 games and winning a premiership with them in the 2014 season.

[9] Phillips was named the AFL Rising Star nominee for round 9 of the 2017 season, after gathering 24 disposals in Collingwood's comeback win over Hawthorn at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

[11] Following the 2020 season, Phillips along with Jaidyn Stephenson and Adam Treloar were put up for trade by Collingwood due to salary cap issues.