Kysaiah Pickett’s Rise to AFL Stardom
Melbourne coach Steven King has expressed his belief that Kysaiah Pickett possesses the necessary tools and mindset to become one of the best players in the Australian Football League (AFL). The 24-year-old has made a remarkable start to the season, highlighted by a stunning mark-of-the-year contender against Campbell Gray in the recent victory over Richmond. This spectacular leap was part of a standout performance on the field, just days after Pickett took a brief trip to Darwin to visit his daughter.
First-year coach King has been impressed by Pickett’s determination to excel since joining the Demons. This season, the lightning-quick talent has been given the opportunity to thrive in a full-time midfield role.
“As a coach, you want to give all your players the opportunity to be the best they can, but ultimately it comes down to that innate desire to believe you can, and he’s got all the tools to be the best as well,” King said.
“He’s pretty competitive. He doesn’t just want to be a highlight reel; he wants to be the best each week. That came with a desire to play a bit more midfield time… he’s bought in wholeheartedly, and what you see now is recognition for the work he puts in.”
King shared details about Pickett’s quick interstate trip after the Richmond match, aiming to “normalise” such travel as part of the player’s personal life.
“I’d love to give all my players the flexibility required, and that’s a two-way trust,” King said.
“Kozzy held up his end of the bargain not just by the way he played, but what he did before he left, what he did when he got back, and what’s in place for him up in Darwin. We’ve got it planned out. It’s not just on a whim, drop of the hat thing. We’ve sort of planned out what the year might look like, and that’s in consultation with Koz and his manager.”
Pickett’s rise to prominence has naturally attracted increased attention from opponents. He will face another likely tagger when the Demons take on ladder leaders Sydney and their renowned stopper James Jordon at the SCG on Sunday.
“He’s had a couple tag him this year, and it comes back to that work-rate and two-way run—things people can’t take away from you,” King said.
“That’s pretty obvious that match-up will come, so we need to help Kozzy, but if he plays to his strengths, he’s pretty hard to tag.”
Harrison Petty’s Potential Return
Meanwhile, Melbourne are hopeful that Harrison Petty could return to action against Sydney after a concerning on-field health episode earlier this month. The 26-year-old tall became unsteady on his feet during the win over Brisbane and had to be helped from the field.
He has been cleared of concussion, despite being placed in the protocols as a precaution, and still has more boxes to tick before receiving the green light.
“At this stage, it looks like a type of migraine, which is great news,” King said.
“He’s still in the protocols, but we’re really bullish around if he gets through protocols this week, he’ll be in a really good place to potentially play.”
