Melbourne has launched a stunning bid to keep Kysaiah Pickett in red and blue long-term, offering the premiership livewire a mammoth seven-year extension that would tie him to the club until the end of 2034.
AFL.com.au reports the proposed deal would be one of the most lucrative in the game and make Pickett the longest-signed player in the league, surpassing Fremantle’s Hayden Young, who is contracted through 2033. The 24-year-old is already signed until 2027, but the fresh offer has been delivered amid growing interest from the Dockers.
Pickett is weighing up the Demons’ mega pitch while continuing to feel the pull of home, with close friendships and family connections in Western Australia tugging at his heart.
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Homesick heart vs historic offer
Pickett’s interest in returning west has been no secret. Ahead of the season, he messaged mates Shai Bolton, Michael Walters and Quinton Narkle about his desire to land at Fremantle.
His partner, Ardu, has ties to Perth, as well as her sister Tayla, who is in a relationship with Narkle. This could end up becoming another factor drawing Pickett closer to a potential homecoming.
But if Pickett is set on joining Fremantle, it’s unlikely to be a smooth or swift move. The Dockers have made it clear that Luke Jackson, traded to WA in a high-profile move just two years ago, won’t be used in any deal to get Pickett back. That complicates matters significantly.
Any trade for Pickett would likely require multiple first-round picks, and even that might not be enough. With Pickett edging towards top-10 status in the AFL and in All-Australian contention, Melbourne’s stance is firm.