DEES’ RELIEF AS PICKETT SIGNS ON

LAURENCE ROSEN

It was the signature all Melbourne fans were waiting for. On a momentous news week for the AFL – where Andrew Dillon was unveiled as the game’s new chief executive and Tasmania was granted the 19th licence, the Demons flew quietly under the radar with news that livewire forward Kysaiah Pickett has re-signed for four years.

Pickett’s ties to both Western Australia and South Australia led to plenty of speculation around his future, with the 21-year-old using Gather Round last month to meet with family and make a decision on his future.

Pickett’s new deal ties him to Melbourne until at least 2027, when he will become eligible for free agency.

“I’m very excited to be signing on and continuing my career in the red and blue,” Pickett said.

“The club has embraced me and my family, and I can’t thank them enough for their support.

“Everything I do is to make my family proud and the respect and understanding my teammates and coaches have shown us means a lot.

“I’m very thankful to all the fans for their support and am excited to be part of the club for at least another four years.”

STAYING PUT: Exciting small forward Kysaiah Pickett has recommitted to the Demons for another four years.

CAREER GOALS LANCE

In four years at the club, Pickett has quickly become a fan favourite and an important part of Melbourne’s forward set-up.

He is already a premiership player, but the sky is the limit for Pickett as he eyes his longer-term future at the Demons.

Pickett has kicked 12 goals and averaged almost 14 disposals in five games this season, an impressive return for primarily a small forward.

And despite the understandable desire to play for a club closer to his family, there is every chance that by sticking with Melbourne, he will add at least one more premiership medallion to his trophy cabinet.