Well i must be on my own here because I personally think he's a much better pick then Shaun McKernan. His contested marking is one of his biggest strengths alongside his hit out to advantages. In fact I rate his contested marking the best at the club if we were to recruit him.
I remember I watched the Collingwood and Essendon game in full length this year and he gave Grundy a serious tough up. Physically bullied him at the contest.
Not only that, he provides a far better marking option up forward then Pruess.
Interesting article last year on Phillips when he arrived at Essendon.
https://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/305864/why-sheeds-could-be-right-about-phillips