Mattaes Phillipou’s electric beginning to life as a Saint has tonight been recognised with a nomination for the 2023 AFL Rising Star.

The Saints’ first-rounder pieced together 13 disposals, five score involvements and – much like Mitch Owens in his nomination game – an unreal Mark of the Year contender during yesterday’s win over North Melbourne.

Strength Through Loyalty: Become a 2023 Member as we celebrate our 150th Year

It comes off the back of an impressive body of work over the past few months, which has seen Phillipou feature in every game this season to help his side to a 6-2 record.

Forming part of the Saints’ improvised forward line following injuries to its key stocks, the 18-year-old has also run through the midfield at stages, even lining up for several centre bounces alongside the likes of Jack Steele, Brad Crouch and Seb Ross.

Magical Mattaes: Phillipou on the rise

  • 04:15

    'It's a privilege': Mattaes Phillipou reflects on his journey with the Saints

    Young star Mattaes Phillipou chats friends, family and football following a two-year contract extention with the red, white and black.

    AFL
    Video
  • 01:57

    Mattaes' monster major or Jack's out-of-the-box snap? Vote for your Goal of the Year nominee!

    Mattaes Phillipou and Jack Higgins have been nominated for Goal of the Year! Vote now on your favourite goals from Round 2 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

    AFL
    Video
  • 00:38

    RD2 | Monster Mattaes kick trickles through big sticks

    The Saints can do no wrong as Mattaes Phillipou unleashes a massive effort that somehow bounces through.

    AFL
    Video
  • 07:21

    Walk with...: Phillipou, Caminiti reflect on debut seasons

    First-year Saints and close mates Mattaes Phillipou and Anthony Caminiti look back on a big 2023.

    AFL
    Video
  • 01:00

    RD23 | Phillipou pulls off a spin before kicking a silky goal

    Mattaes Phillipou kicks a classy goal as the Saints lead the Cats

    AFL
    Video
  • 00:33

    RD13 | Phillipou's priceless opener gets Saints marching

    St Kilda young gun Mattaes Phillipou reads the spillage to perfection and produces the first goal of the game.

    AFL
    Video
  • 05:06

    Aerial attacks on Phillipou radar, 'trying too hard' adjustment

    AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey and round eight Rising Star nominee Mattaes Phillipou discuss life at St Kilda and more.

    AFL
    Video
  • 01:22

    Sky's the limit: High-flying Phillipou earns Rising Star

    Watch the highlights and find out why Mattaes Phillipou gets the AFL Rising Star in round eight.

    AFL
    Video
  • 00:57

    Who did it better? Sharman and Phillipou rate each other's screamers

    Fresh off two potential Mark of the Year contenders, teammates Mattaes Phillipou and Cooper Sharman put each of their hangers under the microscope.

    AFL
    Video
  • 02:04

    RD8 | Phillipou post-game on his unbelievable hanger, loving life as a Saint

    Mattaes Phillipou joins Fox Footy on the final siren as St Kilda consolidates an important win over North Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.

    AFL
    Video
  • 00:28

    RD5 | Phillipou picks his spot after cool clunk

    Saints young gun Mattaes Phillipou takes a strong grab and finishes with precision

    AFL
    Video
  • 01:31

    RD2 | Phillipou's breakout performance

    Mattaes Phillipou kicks three sensational goals in just his second game to lead the Saints to victory over the Bulldogs.

    AFL
    Video
  • 06:29

    RD2 | 'Who's Eric Bana?': In the rooms with Phillipou and Caminiti

    Channel 7's Cameron Ling and Hamish McLachlan catch up with two of the Saints' young stars following a big win over the Bulldogs.

    AFL
    Video
  • 00:18

    RD2 | Phillipou flushes third from distance

    Mattaes Phillipou unloads from outside 50 to get Marvel Stadium rocking.

    AFL
    Video
  • 00:43

    RD2 | Phillipou doubles up

    Mattaes Phillipou strikes with another snap for his second major against the Dogs.

    AFL
    Video

Phillipou has quickly endeared himself to the Saints’ faithful in his limited appearances at senior level, with his father, Sam, among the most passionate in his corner.

Sam, who played three games for Footscray in 1995, was the one to deliver Phillipou the news of this week’s Rising Star nomination, dialling in via FaceTime at Melbourne Airport while en-route back to Adelaide.

The No. 25 is the second Saint to be nominated for the AFL Rising Star this season following Mitch Owens (Round 4).

Anthony Caminiti remains the only Saint to be tried at senior level eligible for the award in 2023. 

EXPLORE