With pick 35 of the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft, we welcome Jevan Phillipou from Woodville-West Torrens.
Jevan Phillipou
DOB: 30-03-2007
Recruited from: Woodville-West Torrens
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Phillipou, a powerful midfielder-forward from Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL, was taken by the Swans with pick 35 overall. The captain of the Eagles’ Under 18 side, he averaged 28 disposals and two goals in the U18 SANFL competition in the second half of the year as well as featuring in six senior matches.
He is part of a three-generation footballing family, with his grandfather Peter and father Sam etching out their SANFL legacies. The latter even played four AFL games for Footscray in 1995. Fast forward to 2022, and Jevan’s elder brother Mattaes was drafted to St Kilda with pick 10.
Phillipou prides himself on being a high impact-per-possession player, capable of hurting the opposition in a variety of ways. Whether cracking in to win the hard ball in midfield, rising for inspired marks around the ground, or hitting the scoreboard regularly, he finds a way to produce big moments. It’s part of why he is such an exciting all-round package, offering substance and flair rolled into one.
There is no denying Phillipou’s athletic acumen. He tested well at the National Draft Combine, exhibiting his turn of speed with an 8.089-second agility test time – good enough for eighth place. That translates to twists and turns on-field which keep the opposition guessing. Phillipou also finished third in the running vertical jump with a leap of 90cm, seen as he rises to pluck balls out of the air with guts and confidence.
