Talented St Kilda youngster Mattaes Phillipou is going nowhere, signing a two-year contract extension at Moorabbin.
Phillipou, the youngest draftee out of the 2022 crop, was, until Tuesday morning, the only top 10 pick from that draft yet to re-sign.
He's now contracted until the end of 2026.
The lethal left-footer put doubts on his future to rest on Tuesday when the Saints announced his signature.
Despite growing up in South Australia, Phillipou said he was enjoying his time under Ross Lyon.
“I couldn’t be loving it more,” Phillipou said.
“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.”
St Kilda footy boss David Misson also commented, adding the club believes Phillipou has a long career in the red, white and black ahead.
“We’re really pleased to have Mattaes reaffirm his commitment to the club through this extension,” Misson said in a club statement.
“We are confident that if his diligence and professionalism continues on this trajectory he has a long and exciting career ahead of him.”
Phillipou has 31 games of AFL experience to his name and is averaging 12.6 disposals, 2.7 marks and 2.3 inside 50s this year.
