A powerful midfielder-forward from Woodville-West Torrens, Phillipou captained the Eagles' under-18 side and averaged 28 disposals late in his draft season before the Sydney Swans took him at pick 35 in the 2025 national draft. The 183cm South Australian also sampled senior SANFL football before the move, and wears the No.18 guernsey. He is yet to play a senior AFL game.