Of what appears to be a stacked 2022 draft class, Kane Cornes believes Mattaes Phillipou is the one with the most upside.
The tenth pick in last year’s National Draft, Phillipou forced his way into Ross Lyon’s side in Round 1 and has not relented, playing every game so far.
Featuring primarily in the forward line, Phillipou already has a brilliant highlight reel and Cornes sang the praises of the 18-year-old on SEN’s Sportsday.
“(Will) Ashcroft and (Harry) Sheezel are great, but Mattaes Phillipou I think has the most upside,” Cornes began.
“Athletic, 190cms, massive left foot, he’s powerful, he’s quick, he sat on heads yesterday and he reminds me a little bit – because of his frame – Marcus Bontempelli in his first year.
“He’s not as skinny as Bontempelli but there’s Bontempelli traits about him.
“I think they’re probably going to play different roles and I’m not sure whether Mattaes will be an inside midfielder.
“I think he was more high half forward (in his junior days)… but just the upside for him, what’s he touching. 40 per cent of his upside? He’s untapped.”
Phillipou averages just under a goal a game along with 14 disposals and three marks per appearance. As Cornes notes, he’s currently not having the impact of Rising Star favourites Will Ashcroft and Harry Sheezel.
But Luke Hodge agrees Phillipou has an excitement about him that skills alone can’t elicit.
“Any time you see a young midfielder who can adapt quickly, you sit back and go ‘geez theyre smart, they’ve got the footy IQ and their skills are top notch’,” the four-time premiership Hawk said.
“But what does excite you is when you’ve got someone who’s got athleticism, 190cms who can play different positions.
“It’s happening early in his career as well. The centre half-forward, the high, tall half forwards play their best football in their mid to late 20s after they’ve had a number of years experience learning their craft.
“He does a few things that really catch your eye.”
Phillipou takes an absolute speccy!
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Phillipou earned a Rising Star nomination for his 13-disposal, four-tackle performance in St Kilda’s 30-point win over North Melbourne that also included a Mark of the Year contender in the fourth term over Darcy Tucker.