Kysaiah Pickett’s long-term future is suddenly back on the radar, with Fremantle circling as the Melbourne livewire weighs up the prospect of a move west.
Despite being contracted until the end of 2027, Pickett’s soaring form and personal ties to Western Australia have prompted renewed interest and fresh questions about where he’ll be playing footy come 2026.
Perth-based manager Anthony Van Der Wielen, who also represents Pickett’s close mates Quinton Narkle and Shai Bolton, has flown to Melbourne for meetings with both the player and Demons list boss Tim Lamb.
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Fremantle, while short on draft capital, remains a key suitor.
Freo push, but Dees still hopeful
Melbourne, understandably, is desperate to hold onto the 24-year-old. With career-high averages of 19.4 disposals and two goals per game in 2025, Pickett has become central to the Dees’ mid-season resurgence.
They believe he’s in “a great place” both on and off the field, and they’re open to renegotiating his current deal to reflect his value.
Club president Brad Green earlier this year made it clear what it would take to prise Pickett away: “up to three first-round picks”. Under the AFL’s new rules, future picks can be traded two years in advance, a possible avenue for Fremantle, who only hold one first-rounder this year.
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The pull of Perth is strong, but the Dees won’t let Pickett go without a fight. West Coast, once in the mix, is said to be headed in another direction. Port Adelaide, where Pickett also has family ties, are no longer in contention.
There’s a lot still to play out, and the longer Pickett takes to make the call, the speculation grows louder.