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The excitement attached to Mattaes Phillipou is close to off the charts, as is the potential for the South Australian with unrivalled confidence and hunger to succeed.

A powerful and athletic midfielder/forward who has the right attributes to become a prominent impact player, Phillipou starred in his debut season to play every game (becoming the first Saint to do so since Callum Wilkie in 2019) and snare Rising Star honours.

Although not considered a part of his game prior to being drafted, the South Australian’s aerial ability and high-flying heroics are quickly becoming just as much of a part of his skillset as his flair in front of goal.

Phillipou is the son of former Western Bulldogs player Sam Phillipou, who played three games for the club in 1995.