Matteas Phillipou, a promising young talent in the AFL, faced a setback just minutes before the opening bounce against Collingwood. The 20-year-old had to pull out of the match after injuring his calf during the warm up. It’s a tragic break that prevented him from fully competing, leaving onlookers, admirers, and fellow players despondent.
Phillipou’s injury came on just the second warm-up when he felt a searing pain shoot up his calf. His absence only compounds the rigors of a disgruntled, sometimes brutal season for the burgeoning sportsperson. Just last week, he sat out a match against the Western Bulldogs due to a stress fracture he acquired during pre-season.
With Phillipou injured, Ryan Byrnes stepped up, earning a spot in the starting 22. In the meantime, Tobie Travaglia continued to fill in as the alternative. This last-minute switch up just showed how unpredictable the world of sports can be, particularly when injuries are involved.
David Misson, the club’s General Manager of Football, provided confirmation of Phillipou’s injury in an update. He mentioned that Phillipou had been battling a plantaris since the Melbourne match, he was a full participant all week with no issues and then this happened.
“He’s been managing a plantaris issue since the Melbourne game, he trained fully all week, had no problems.” – David Misson
Jason Dunstall, former superstar and current commentator on the game, commented on his experience holding Phillipou back. In the remarks, he voiced concern for the young player himself and touched on the emotional toll that injuries can take on athletes.
“It’s unfortunate, you can see how distraught Phillipou is.” – Jason Dunstall
“He’s had a horror run with injuries and just wants to get in there … he’s going to be the latest of outs.”
Phillipou had been tipped for a significant season ahead of his third year in the AFL after finishing strongly in 2024. In recent years, his potential has been stunted by injury, including his most recent calf injury that has forced him to miss this year’s 2023 season.
Phillipou is currently putting in overtime to come back from his most recent injury. Fans and analysts are looking forward to watching this immensely talented player rehabilitate his body, restore his health and return to the realm of elite players.
