St Kilda have confirmed the re-signing of 2022 first-round draft selection Mattaes Phillipou, who has extended his stay at Moorabbin until the end of the 2026 season.
A South Australian native, Phillipou's first contract with the Saints was set to expire at the end of the current season, with the teenager one of three first-round picks from his draft class yet to recommit beyond this year.
Western Bulldogs defender Jedd Busslinger and Sydney forward Jacob Konstanty are now the only two players from that crop who are still unsigned for 2025, with Phillipou putting pen to paper on a new two-year deal.
Phillipou has been a shining light for the Saints in 18 months with the club, playing 31 of a possible 32 matches in the red, white and black since being taken with the tenth overall pick in his draft.
The Woodville-West Torrens junior expressed his delight to re-sign with the Saints for a further two seasons.
“I couldn't be loving it more,” Phillipou said, via the club's announcement.
“I'm still just trying to be a sponge and learn as much as I can from my coaches and teammates.
"I've still got a lot to learn and many things to improve, but I'm focused on taking all the steps necessary to get where not only I want to be as an individual, but we want to be as a group.
“It's exciting to be part of a young group which is growing together, and I look forward to us continuing to improve and play together for a long time to come.”
Phillipou is averaging 12.65 disposals per game and has booted 16 goals in his career so far as a rotating midfield-forward.
Re-signing Phillipou further strengthens the Saints' future planning, with the St Kilda football boss David Misson touching on the club's delight in having the young star pledge his allegiance.
“We're really pleased to have Mattaes reaffirm his commitment to the club through this extension,” Misson said
“We are confident that if his diligence and professionalism continues on this trajectory he has a long and exciting career ahead of him.”
Phillipou is in line to play his next match for the Saints on Saturday when they host North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.