South Australia under-18 coach Tony Bamford has provided an insight into the drive of Mattaes Phillipou, saying the draft prospect is a “young man in a hurry”.
Phillipou shapes as the best SA prospect available in this year’s draft pool, as well as one of the most confident.
The 17-year-old also has one of the highest upsides of all his peers, showcasing a number of skills in his underage footy that will make him a dangerous AFL player.
Bamford says Phillipou’s size and attributes make him a tasty prospect for any AFL team.
“Mattaes is classified as a tall mid, 192cms and still growing, he’ll probably end up with a couple more centimetres and five to eight kilograms heavier than what he is now after a couple of years in the AFL system,” he said on SEN SA’s The Run Home.
“I think the attractive thing for Mattaes is he’s equally as good in the air as he is at ground level, he’s got a beautiful left foot and he’s not just a pure inside mid, he can actually win the ball on the outside as well.
“I think that’s really appealing to AFL clubs.”
But it’s Phillipou’s personality and self-belief that also shape as his biggest attributes.
Bamford hinted at the midfielder’s competitiveness and drive being strong assets for when he enters an AFL environment, but holds a question mark over how he’ll accept his place in an AFL club.
“He’s a very driven and goal-focused young man, probably more so than anyone I’ve ever experienced in my time here,” Bamford admitted.
“At times this year you almost had to say, ‘hey mate, it’s okay, just settle down a bit, things will happen in good time’.
“He’s a young man that’s in a hurry.
“His biggest challenge – I think – next year in the AFL system will be waiting for his turn to play. He’ll walk in there, he’ll train really hard and get the respect of his teammates, he might have to start in the VFL… and that will test him out because he’ll want to play Round 1.”
Bamford added: “It doesn’t really matter where he lands, Mattaes will adapt to the environment and put his best foot forward”.
Phillipou’s age also gives him plenty of upside, given he’s only five days off being eligible for the 2023 draft and the growth forecast by Bamford. He averaged 33 disposals and 3.3 shots on goal per game in the SANFL under 18s and has been heavily linked to Essendon’s pick 5, the earliest he’s likely to go on Monday night.