BIO

Wayne "Butch" Phillis made his league debut for Glenelg in 1967. Strong and aggressive, he became one of the best tall defenders in the SANFL. Playing at centre half back, he was high in Glenelg's best players in its 1973 Grand Final win against North Adelaide.
 
Phillis also played in five losing Grand Finals, including the 1975 premiership decider against Norwood at Football Park.

His last game for Glenelg was as acting captain in the 1977 Grand Final, in the absence of the injured Peter Marker.
 
After 218 games for the Tigers, he somewhat controversially requested a transfer to the Parade early in the 1978 season and was a welcome addition to Norwood's powerful ruck division, which already included Neil Button and John Wynne.
 
Norwood had recruited heavily in its centenary year and Phillis was joined by Brian Adamson (West Perth), David Armour (East Perth/Geelong) and Mike Nunan (Sturt) in winning a flag in their first season at the club - a memorable, come from behind, one point victory against Sturt.
 
Phillis played on in 1979, but announced his retirement after Norwood's loss to South Adelaide, in that years' first Semi-Final.

A persistent left ankle injury forced him into giving the game away, whilst only 29 years old.
 
Wayne's older brother Fred, played 275 senior games for Glenelg.

R Cialini Dec 2016