Will Mattaes get a game in round 1?

[saynta]

From the hun.


"10. Mattaes Phillipou (St Kilda)

KFC SuperCoach price: $166,800 MID/FWD

The rangy 192cm mid-forward spruiked as a player in the Bontempelli-Fyfe mould as a tall onballer has thrived on the workload at St Kilda, eating up the training sessions and thrown himself into extra work.

While the Saints showed last year they were prepared to play their draftees early – including light-bodied Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera – Phillipou has mostly played SANFL against fellow juniors.

It means the next month will tell the tale of how quickly he is able to adapt against strong-bodied men.

Ross Lyon would be delighted to get double-figure games out of him to fast-track his development but he would need to shine in the match practice sessions to come before he is pencilled in for an early-round debut."

[Rubyjo]

Can't wait to watch this guys development.

[The_Dud]

I like his confidence, seems like the kind of kid who wants the spotlight and (hopefully) thrives under pressure.

[Saintmike65]

Very confident he’ll be in our 23 players for round 1.

[Impatient Sainter]

Before we lost King & Hayes I would have suggested we eaze him in. Now with having to play a smaller forward line I think he will be stiff if he is not in the starting 23.

[Sanctorum]

Definitely YES

[bobmurray]

Who cares if an 18 year old can make the team for round 1, it's the seasoned players that we need to become AFL ready players, at least initially in 2023.

Prepare to be disappointed.

[Ghost Like]

Who cares if an 18 year old can make the team for round 1, it's the seasoned players that we need to become AFL ready players, at least initially in 2023.

Prepare to be disappointed.

I think it's our "seasoned players" that we need to be overtaken by our youth if we genuinely wish to improve. Yes, it may take time & will certainly require patience. The only disappointment will be if that doesn't eventuate.

[Banger9798]

If Gresham or Billings is underdone he might get the gig in the forward line, but wouldn't be surprised if he plays 2-3 in the VFL and get used to the hits from fully grown men.

[B.M]

Isn’t he currently injured and Billings and Gresham have joined main training??

[saynta]

Well, whether he does or not will depend on the coach. We know from experience that he doesn't play kids.

[chook23]

Well, whether he does or not will depend on the coach. We know from experience that he doesn't play kids.

Andrew Brayshaw debut Round 1 2018 after being drafted 2017

Adam Cerra debut round 2 2018 after being drafted 2017

[Ghost Like]

Well, whether he does or not will depend on the coach. We know from experience that he doesn't play kids.

Andrew Brayshaw debut Round 1 2018 after being drafted 2017

Adam Cerra debut round 2 2018 after being drafted 2017

I think it is very much different times & different lists. Nearly negligent now if we do not expose our youngsters.

[tony74]

Yes——- As long as he doesn’t climb into any more bins.

[saynta]

Yes——- As long as he doesn’t climb into any more bins.

Tell us more.

[CQ SAINT]

This kid is going to be a good. It's just a matter of how good and in what position.
He could develop nicely if he stays around the same weight, leans out a little and develops a tank as a high half forward, who runs through the middle.
He and Owens may be a nice combo playing as modern CHF/mid hybrids in a couple of years.

[The Fireman]

another reason to look forward to this season, new coach and depth... bring it on

[WellardSaint]

Yes——- As long as he doesn’t climb into any more bins.

Wild guess- did a footy end up in an open dumpster, and he climbed in to fetch it?

[Saintmike65]

Well, whether he does or not will depend on the coach. We know from experience that he doesn't play kids.

Andrew Brayshaw debut Round 1 2018 after being drafted 2017

Adam Cerra debut round 2 2018 after being drafted 2017

Excellent response…I’m confident all of Phillipou, Windhager, Owens & Nas will be in for round 1.

[Saintmike65]

Let me tell you of 2 special moments that I’ve witnessed at training this pre season.
First was last month during match sim, Phillipou gathers under pressure a couple of metres inside the boundary about 55 metres out, wrong side for a leftie.
He’s nailed the goal off 2 steps!
Second one was yesterday..it was the end of training and Mattaes was wanting to have a set shot on the boundary.
Nick Walsh tells him to finish up but Mattaes casually slots the goal on his non preferred right from about 45 metres out!
He raised his arm in celebration, caught up in the moment I yelled out to him ‘save it for round 1’..to which he smiled and gave the thumbs up.
Love this kid..adoption papers are in the mail…LOL!!

[Scoop]

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/02/20/ ... on-praise/

[SaintPav]

Who cares?

It’s exciting!

[saynta]

Let me tell you of 2 special moments that I’ve witnessed at training this pre season.
First was last month during match sim, Phillipou gathers under pressure a couple of metres inside the boundary about 55 metres out, wrong side for a leftie.
He’s nailed the goal off 2 steps!
Second one was yesterday..it was the end of training and Mattaes was wanting to have a set shot on the boundary.
Nick Walsh tells him to finish up but Mattaes casually slots the goal on his non preferred right from about 45 metres out!
He raised his arm in celebration, caught up in the moment I yelled out to him ‘save it for round 1’..to which he smiled and gave the thumbs up.
Love this kid..adoption papers are in the mail…LOL!!

[skeptic]

Consensus seems to be that he’s certainly put a strong case forward. My gut says yes especially in the context of RL’s stigma that he doesn’t play youth… I reckon he might go a bit young early… but if not r1, then pbly pretty soon

[Otiman]

50/50 after todays match. Competing with Billings and Butler for a spot.