St Kilda is closing in on locking down one of its brightest young stars, with Mattaes Phillipou set to sign a new deal that will keep him at Moorabbin until the end of 2028.
The contract will supersede the final year of his current deal, which was due to expire in 2026, marking a major show of faith in the club’s direction.
Phillipou, 20, endured a turbulent campaign after suffering a stress fracture in his femur during pre-season, which delayed his return until round nine. A series of setbacks with his plantaris tendon followed, leaving him visibly distraught when he was pulled from the warm-up against Collingwood in round 15.
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Despite the frustrations, he fought his way back into the side and featured in the closing rounds.
A pivotal piece in Lyon’s plans
The South Australian, who played every game in his debut season, also spent time in the VFL last year to develop as an inside midfielder. While he ended this season stationed in attack, Ross Lyon views him as a long-term option in the middle as the Saints continue to reshape their on-ball brigade.
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Phillipou’s commitment adds to a buoyant fortnight for the club, with Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera signing on and Carlton’s Tom De Koning joining as a free agent. Efforts are also underway to secure Marcus Windhager on a four-year extension, while the Saints eye reinforcements in Liam Ryan, Leek Aleer and Jack Silvagni.
Club president Andrew Bassat recently outlined the bold list strategy, insisting: “There is no way to win a flag without offending people … if we are going to die, we are going to die with our boots on.”