Melbourne have stunned the AFL world by handing Kysaiah Pickett a staggering nine-year contract extension worth a reported $12 million, locking in the electric midfielder-forward until the end of 2034.
The deal, confirmed by the club on Thursday, stands as one of the longest and richest in league history.
Pickett was already contracted for two more seasons, but speculation around homesickness and interest from Fremantle appears to have pushed the Demons into early and aggressive negotiations.
The 24-year-old livewire has become a fan favourite for his explosive pace and eye for goal, and played a key role in the club’s 2021 premiership run.
MORE: Why Kysaiah Pickett's monster Melbourne contract is a risk
‘They didn’t have to do a thing’
But the nine-year term has drawn sharp criticism, with former Port Adelaide midfielder Kane Cornes questioning the logic behind such a lengthy commitment.
“Some players you just love. I love him,” Cornes said on SEN. “It is three years too long... but I kind of respect the all-out assault to try and keep him, because they are stuffed without him.
“Has he played this so beautifully that he has been able to rip up two years of the existing contract, and turn that into a fresh nine-yearer at $1.4m just because he is homesick?”
Cornes wasn't the only one baffled by the timing. Gerard Healy also raised eyebrows, asking, “I keep asking myself, why now?”
Despite Pickett’s rising influence, booting five against Sydney and three more on the King’s Birthday, some wonder if off-field concerns forced Melbourne’s hand. Reports had suggested the South Australian had been messaging friends at Fremantle about a possible move west in 2026.