When the formidable duo of Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca departed from Melbourne last year, the Demons faced an urgent need to revamp their midfield. These two players, pivotal in securing the team’s long-awaited premiership in 2021, left a significant void. With Jack Viney also out due to an Achilles injury, new coach Stephen King had to quickly innovate a strategy to rebuild the on-ball division.
Kysaiah Pickett emerged as a prime candidate for this role. The talented small forward had spent nearly five years captivating defenders with his creativity and flair. However, it wasn’t until round three against Carlton that King decided to position Pickett in the midfield, following a tough loss to Fremantle. Although his first half was challenging, Pickett surged after the break, leading the Demons to a remarkable comeback with 33 disposals, 10 inside-50s, and a goal, marking his first game with over 30 touches. Kozzy was just beginning to find his rhythm.
In a standout display against Richmond, Pickett showcased one of the most electrifying individual performances of the season. He notched up 29 disposals, six clearances, seven score involvements, and kicked four goals. His spectacular leap to take a mark over Campbell Grey in the game’s final moments likely secured him the mark of the year, sparking conversations among fans and experts alike.
King praised Pickett’s potential to become a top player, stating, “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.”
Following his thrilling performance against the Tigers, Pickett began to grasp the challenges of being a midfielder in the AFL. Receiving constant attention on the field is akin to being a well-known figure in a bustling city. The increased scrutiny led to a dip in his form. Developing the skills of an inside midfielder is a gradual process, as evidenced by the careers of Gary Ablett Jr., Nat Fyfe, and Patrick Cripps, who all exemplified the need for physical, mental, tactical, and technical precision.
While Pickett has not yet reached their level, he is quickly becoming one of the most impactful players in the league, thanks to his vision, rapid decision-making, and explosive speed. Although he averages just under 23 disposals per game, significantly fewer than Nick Daicos’s 35, his contributions via taps, touches, and clever plays can change the course of a match. Currently, he ranks second on Melbourne’s goalkicking list with 19 goals this season, primarily playing in the midfield. Even when he isn’t directly scoring, he consistently outmaneuvers opponents at stoppages with his agility and cunning.
Critics have previously pointed to Pickett’s struggles on significant occasions. However, he silenced those doubts during a match against the Magpies, where he performed in front of nearly 90,000 spectators, accumulating 28 disposals, seven score involvements, five clearances, and three goals, including the decisive match-winner. His outstanding effort earned him the inaugural Neale Daniher trophy as the best player on the field.
Despite these successes, he continues to learn. With just 40 seconds remaining in the game, he marked the ball inside 50 while the Demons held a two-point lead. Teams routinely practice managing the clock in such scenarios. Instead of taking a shot for goal, Pickett opted to snap a quick shot. King is likely to provide feedback on this decision, but it’s this very instinct that makes Kozzy one of the most exciting players to watch in the AFL.
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