Phillipou generated plentiful excitement in his draft year, averaging 28 disposals and 1.5 goals in the SANFL under 18s competition. In the lead-up to the 2022 AFL draft, he was forecast to be taken by either Essendon or St Kilda in the first round.[1]
AFL career
Phillipou was taken by St Kilda with pick 10 in the 2022 AFL draft after Essendon instead opted to take Elijah Tsatas.[2]
Phillipou made his AFL debut in Round 1 of the 2023 AFL season against Fremantle, where he gathered 16 disposals and kicked one goal. In Round 2, he scored 3 goals in a win over the Western Bulldogs. He was nominated for the AFL Rising Star in Round 8 against North Melbourne.[3] Phillipou went on to play every match in his debut season, including the Elimination Final.[citation needed]