The 2022 AFL Draft class is shaping up and becoming more promising with every day that passes. Possessing a variety of talents, the class of ‘22 has certainly provided clubs and playing lists with a service that clubs will be hoping to hold onto for the entirety of their playing careers.
While some stars have already emerged and established themselves, like Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft and North Melbourne's very own duo of Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw, the class still has the potential to deliver on more of the promise it entailed.
This article explores eight players we believe are ready to take a leap, matching a prediction for each of them heading into the 2025 season.
4. Mattaes Phillipou
Likened to the great Nat Fyfe in his draft comparison, Mattaes Phillipou put the football world on notice of what he is capable of during the back end of 2024. Prior to that, 2024 was a year of development for the young talent. Early in the season Saints coach Ross Lyon had sent him back to the VFL to develop his midfield craft in what many saw as a controversial decision. After all, this was a Saints side that realistically was ready to take a step back.
By his final four games, Lyon had entrusted Phillipou with a midfield role - one that the Saints sorely needed to fill - and he delivered. He averaged 22 disposals, up from his career average of 13.3 and season average of 14.4, and kicked a goal in each game. The unexpected breakout pegged him as one of the likeliest breakout candidates of 2025 until he was sidelined with a stress fracture that'll keep him out for the early portion of the season.
Nevertheless, at full health, it seems only natural that the former number 10 pick reaffirms all beliefs that he is going to be a damaging midfielder. The Saints will make it imperative as their current crop of midfielders lack a game-breaking talent, despite the best efforts of Jack Steele and others in the past.
At 190cm, Phillipou is the prototypical modern-day midfielder who just needs more runs on the board before he breaks into the upper echelon of AFL midfielders. Given his unwavering confidence and growth, would it be outlandish to suggest that by season's end the young talent will be St Kilda's best and most important player? Let's hope he gets on the park sooner rather than later.
Prediction: Phillipou records 10+ Brownlow votes despite a delayed start to the season.
