Phillipou generated plentiful excitement in his draft year, averaging 28 disposals and 1.5 goals in the SANFL under 18s competition.
In the lead-up to the 2022 AFL draft, he was forecast to be taken by either Essendon or St Kilda in the first round.
[1] Phillipou was taken by St Kilda with pick 10 in the 2022 AFL draft after Essendon instead opted to take Elijah Tsatas.
He was nominated for the AFL Rising Star in Round 8 against North Melbourne.
[3] Phillipou went on to play every match in his debut season, including the Elimination Final.