Kozzie Pickett weighs up trade request as Demons’ year from hell gets worse

by Admin
August 28, 2024

Melbourne’s year from hell could get even worse with star forward Kysaiah Pickett reportedly interested in exploring a trade for family reasons.

Seven’s Mitch Cleary reported the 23-year-old told the club of his homesickness during his exit meeting with coach Simon Goodwin on Tuesday.

However the report stated “the club and his management are confident they can work through his concerns”, suggesting a level of confidence the Demons can convince Pickett not to officially request a move.

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It comes amid Christian Petracca’s frustrations with the club and interest in playing for another Victorian team in 2025.

Pickett, whose three-week rough conduct ban was upheld at the Tribunal on Tuesday night, signed a fresh four-year contract last year which has him tied to Melbourne until the end of 2027.

The small forward’s interest is family-related, rather than about concerns with the club itself, with Pickett and his partner welcoming their first child earlier this year.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 23: Simon Goodwin, Senior Coach of the Demons embraces Kysaiah Pickett of the Demons after the round 24 AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on August 23, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Port Adelaide has long been linked with Pickett and made a play for him before he signed his most recent contract.

They shape as the early favourite this time, though Pickett also has family connections in Western Australia. He was raised in both WA and South Australia, coming through the underage pathway in SA.

Elsewhere at Melbourne, Alex Neal-Bullen has nominated Adelaide as his preferred club of choice, having already told the club of his interest in a trade home for family reasons.