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The Victorian club most interested in top-10 draft prospect
SEN • November 12th, 2025 9:07 am
Jevan Phillipou enters the 2025 National Draft as a top prospect carrying more than just his storied name.
Alongside brother and Saint Mattaes, the Phillipous have entered their third generation of top-level football, with father Sam and grandfather Peter playing out brilliant careers at SANFL level.
And following Mattaes’ 10th overall selection in 2022, Jevan could join his brother as a top-10 selection.
The Woodville-West Torrens talent offers plenty on and ahead of the ball, drawing comparisons to the likes of Isaac Heeney and Christian Petracca.
“Being a mid-sized midfielder, I’ve got a bit of an advantage athletically,” Phillipou told SEN SA’s The Run Home.
“It really helps me that I can play other positions on the ground. I always try to model my game around the good players similar to me in the AFL, that can go forward, have a burst of speed, kick a big goal and take a big mark as well.”
Entering this year’s draft as a top prospect, Phillipou has heard from all but two clubs across the competition, specifying one Victorian-based club that has shown significant interest.
“I’ve spoken to 16 out of 18, only a couple haven’t reached out. It’s actually Gold Coast and Fremantle that haven’t reached out at all.
“I’d probably say Richmond (have been the most interested), to be honest. Since the start, they were first to reach out.
“They’ve done quite a few meetings as well as the combine, so I’d probably say them overall.”
Despite growing up in South Australia, Jevan – much like his brother – is incredibly keen for the limelight of football in Victoria.
That said, the 17-year-old would be more than happy to suit up for whichever team secures his services.
“Coming through, you always want the spotlight and the limelight,” he said.
“Melbourne is obviously the place to be in terms of that, but I’m open to anything and ready for anything. I’m excited by anything, and I’m just waiting to see where it takes me.”
Joining his brother on an AFL list in the coming weeks, Jevan expressed that he would love to play alongside Mattaes, given their matching competitive and confident nature.
“I’d definitely pick him as a teammate if I could,” he said.
“He’s very competitive, especially with me growing up, competing against each other. I’m sure he’d probably have a little bit of a bone to pick with me.
“It’s always intense when we’re going against each other. I’d love to play against him as well.”
The National Draft kicks off with the first round on November 19, followed by the remaining selections on November 20.
