St Kilda’s promising young player, Matteas Phillipou, faced a heartbreaking setback on Saturday night as he was forced out of the much-anticipated clash against Collingwood. 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 distraught, was seen on the bench discussing his condition with the coaching staff. His absence was a significant blow to St Kilda, who had high hopes for the young gun’s performance this season.
Commentator Jason Dunstall captured the sentiment, 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.”
Immediate Impact and Team Adjustments
The club confirmed the injury as a calf issue, prompting Ryan Byrnes to step up from the emergency list into the starting lineup, while Tobie Travaglia remained as the substitute. The sudden change came as a surprise, especially since Phillipou had been managing a plantaris issue since the Melbourne game but had trained fully throughout the week without any problems.
David Misson, St Kilda’s General Manager of Football, explained the situation to Fox Footy at quarter-time:
“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.”
Background and Phillipou’s Injury Struggles
Phillipou’s career has been marred by injuries, despite being tipped for significant achievements in his third AFL season. After a strong finish in 2024, his momentum was halted by a stress fracture during the pre-season. He made his return in Round 9, participating in three games before a plantaris issue sidelined him once more during the Round 13 match against Melbourne.
St Kilda’s coach, Ross Lyon, addressed the media post-match, highlighting the club’s cautious approach:
“Our sports science department were a bit concerned he could do a soft-tissue injury under a full game. He was going to play, and we were going to play him a full game.”
Expert Opinions and Future Implications
Experts suggest that Phillipou’s recurring injuries could have long-term implications for his career. The club’s decision to pull him from the game underscores the importance of prioritizing player health over immediate performance gains.
Coach Lyon reassured Phillipou of the club’s support, saying,
“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.”
Looking Ahead
As St Kilda navigates the remainder of the season, the focus will be on ensuring Phillipou’s full recovery and preventing further injuries. The young player’s potential remains a key asset for the team, and his return to full fitness is eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike.
The club will continue to monitor Phillipou’s progress closely, with hopes that he can overcome these setbacks and fulfill the promise he has shown in his early career. Meanwhile, the team will need to adapt and find ways to compensate for his absence on the field.
