Out of Ross Lyon, Lenny Hayes and Robert Harvey, it’s arguably been Mattaes Phillipou who has attracted the most interest since joining the red, white and black in late November.

Find out more about the Saints’ latest first-round draftee, including his multiple sporting ties, the players he’s based his game around and where exactly the name ‘Mattaes Phillipou’ originates. 

In the blood

Despite his multiple-sport upbringing, Phillipou has long been connected to football through his father, Sam.

Phillipou Sr. played three games for Footscray in 1995, but packed his biggest impact for the SANFL’s Woodville-West Torrens as centre-half forward (180 goals from 106 games) in-between his stint in Victoria. He also played a further 44 games for Port Adelaide Magpies with a 70-goal return.

Phillipou’s grandfather Peter also represented West Torrens in a decorated 18-season career, hanging up the boots after 272 games in the blue and gold.

An athletic blend

Endurance, agility and athleticism are all part of our game, however Phillipou has looked beyond just the Sherrin to boost all facets.

Swimming has played an important role in building the South Australian’s upper body strength, while a strong athletics background – again encouraged by his dad – has hammered home the necessity for running and having an engine to go the difference.

Like many footballers, Phillipou came from a successful basketball background, before fully trading in the hardwoods for the footy field in his late teens. 

Around the world

It’s safe to say the name ‘Mattaes’ isn’t as widely used as, say, ‘Jack’, but perhaps it’s a lot more common abroad from where his family originates.

Phillipou’s paternal grandparents originated from Eastern Europe, with his grandfather hailing from Macedonia and his grandmother from Germany.

There have been only a select few Saints to represent the club from each respective region, but Nick Riewoldt’s German heritage is certainly the most notable of the lot.

The Gray Man

When it comes to choosing players to base your own game off, Marcus Bontempelli and Nat Fyfe are more than sound options to start with.

But there’s another modern-day gun who Phillipou has kept a close watch on during his years growing up a committed Port Adelaide fan, with four-time All-Australian Robbie Gray one of the most influential players in the formative stages of the young Saint’s career. 

Silky, strong and sublime midfielders who can be major threats up forward? You can’t go wrong with that.

Familiar digits 

There were quite a few guernsey numbers up for grabs heading into 2023, however Phillipou didn’t stray far from what he’s had in the past.

The No. 25 was Phillipou’s number while playing for Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL, reclaiming the set of digits following his subsequent arrival at St Kilda.

Another potential route was that of the No. 21 – also vacant before Zaine Cordy inherited the number – which was worn by Phillipou while representing South Australia, as well as by his father during his days at Footscray.