Mattaes Phillipou Biography

Saints coach Ross Lyon hopes Mattaes Phillipou will play in the AFL again this season, but is unsure when he might return from his latest injury setback.

Phillipou has only played four senior games in 2025. He was recalled for last month's game against Collingwood, but was shattered when he aggravated a lower-leg injury in the warm-up just minutes before the first bounce. The 20-year-old midfielder has not played since as he overcomes the plantaris tendon injury in his calf.

"Mattaes is making ground. We're going to be really cautious with him," Lyon said.

"The plantaris, he said, is good, but it's been a frustrating year for him."

Mattaes Phillipou agrees to a two-year contract extension with the Saints to remain with the club until the end of 2026.

Mattaes Phillipou is the NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for round eight of 2023 after tallying 13 disposals, four tackles, and six marks against North Melbourne.

Mattaes Phillipou makes his AFL debut for St Kilda at Docklands Stadium with 16 disposals (6 kicks and 10 handballs), 3 marks and a goal in a 15-point win over Fremantle.

St Kilda select Mattaes Phillipou with pick No.10 in the 2022 National Draft.