the dry oil filter paper element is easy to rupture and under hydraulic pressure from the pump with no oil on the other side of the filter paper it will give in at the weakest point.
The oil you pour goes to the sump, the filter is in the high pressure oil path in the engine ahead of the pump. And oil only reaches the filter when the pump runs.
Its pretty much basic practice, pour some oil in the filter, shake, wet the gasket and threads and quickly mount the thing if it sits upside down or sideways. If it sits right side up when fit, just fill it up 3/4..