William Phillips

William John Berge Phillips was born in Manley, New South Wales. His father, Bill Berge-Phillips Sr., was also a celebrated water polo player, who inspired his son to take up the sport. In 1950, at the age of seven, Phillips became a member of the Balmoral Swimming Club. He later attended Sydney Grammar School before going to the College of Law.

In 1963, Phillips was part of the Australian university team that toured New Zealand. The following year, he was selected for the NSW Water Polo Team to participate in the national championships in Sydney. Following his début appearance at the nationals, he was selected for the Australian team for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. This was followed by a European tour in 1965, and a world tour in 1967.

The following year, Phillips was again selected as part of the Australian Olympic team, this time for the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. However, the Australian Olympic Committee stated that it was a waste of money to send a team to Mexico. Despite this, the players were willing to pay their own travel costs, but were ultimately barred from taking part.

After his playing career, Phillips concentrated on his profession as a lawyer.