St Kilda’s promising young player, Matteas Phillipou, faced another unfortunate setback when he was forced out of the highly anticipated clash against Collingwood on Saturday night. The 20-year-old suffered a calf injury during the warm-up, leading to his withdrawal just minutes before the game commenced at Marvel Stadium.
Phillipou, visibly distressed, was seen conversing with the coaching staff on the bench. Commentator Jason Dunstall remarked on the situation, stating,
“It’s unfortunate, you can see how distraught Phillipou is. He’s had a horror run with injuries and just wants to get in there … he’s going to be the latest of outs.”
The club confirmed that Phillipou’s withdrawal was due to a calf issue. Ryan Byrnes was called up from the emergency list to replace him in the starting 22, while Tobie Travaglia remained as the substitute. According to St Kilda’s GM of football, David Misson,
“He’s been managing a plantaris issue since the Melbourne game, he trained fully all week, had no problems. First warm-up, no worries. As soon as he came out for that second warm-up, he felt a sharp pain and said he couldn’t play.”
Phillipou’s Injury Struggles
Phillipou’s career has been marred by injuries, with this latest incident adding to a challenging year. He was expected to make significant strides in his third AFL season after a strong finish in 2024. However, a stress fracture during the pre-season derailed his progress. After returning in Round 9, he played three games before encountering a plantaris issue early against Melbourne in Round 13.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon addressed the situation in a post-match press conference, expressing understanding and support for Phillipou.
“Our sports science (department) were a bit concerned he could do a soft-tissue injury under a full game,” Lyon explained. “And he was going to play and we were (going to play him a full game). He was in the warm-up … so it was like we’ll keep him. Everything’s smooth and then I got a call from Dave Misson (saying) ‘Mattias is sore in that part of this leg’. Not dramatically but he was pretty upset with it all and we said no worries, no problem. I got on the phone, I said ‘mate don’t worry about it, you’re fine, we love you, don’t get too upset, let’s get you right’. He’ll be upset, I’ll get to him and we’ll work our way through it.”
Impact on St Kilda’s Season
Phillipou’s absence is a significant blow to St Kilda, who had high hopes for his contributions this season. His potential was evident, and the team was counting on his skills to bolster their performance. His injury history, however, has been a persistent challenge, affecting both his development and the team’s dynamics.
Despite these setbacks, the Saints remain optimistic about Phillipou’s future. The club is focused on ensuring his full recovery and return to form. As the AFL season progresses, St Kilda will need to navigate these challenges while maintaining their competitive edge.
Looking Ahead
Phillipou’s journey highlights the unpredictable nature of sports, where talent and potential can be overshadowed by injuries. The young athlete’s resilience and determination will be crucial as he works towards overcoming these hurdles. St Kilda’s management and fans alike are hopeful for his swift return to the field, where he can once again showcase his abilities.
As the season unfolds, the club will continue to monitor Phillipou’s condition closely, ensuring that he receives the necessary support and treatment. His story is a testament to the trials faced by athletes and the unwavering spirit required to succeed in professional sports.
