TIGER STANDS ASIDE AFTER ARREST

Richmond’s Marlion Pickett will miss Saturday night’s clash against St Kilda at the MCG following his arrest in Western Australia last weekend.

Pickett faced Perth’s Magistrates Court last Monday on a string of aggravated burglary, stealing and criminal damage charges, which date back to last December and January.

Pickett flew to Perth with the Tigers for last Saturday night’s game against Fremantle in the knowledge he would be questioned by WA Police the next morning. Following the interview, he was arrested and spent the night in custody.

The court was told the charges relate to burglaries of a series of commercial properties, in which a total of more than $380,000 in Australian and foreign currency was allegedly stolen.

He was released on bail on Monday morning and was back at the football club on Tuesday.

But while the Tigers strongly believe the best thing for him is to return to the weekly football routine, that does not include playing on Saturday night in Trent Cotchin’s 300th game.

“It’s a decision we made in the best interests of his welfare and also of the club,” Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said on Tuesday.

“We think it’s important for Marlion to be with his family. But having said that, he’ll prepare, train with the team and keep turning up to work.

“That’s really important for he and his family and we fully expect him to play against Brisbane in two weeks’ time.

Gale added that the 31-year-old was doing OK.

“He has some good people around him and the football club has been wonderful and that’s why it is important for him to re-engage as quickly as possible,” he said.

“There could be no better place for him and his family to be at the moment than this football club.

“(But) these are allegations, serious allegations and we are going to proceed on the basis he’s innocent. Justice will run its course. Procedures will run their course.”

Pickett’s tale of redemption was celebrated across Australia when he was picked by the Tigers to make his AFL debut in the victorious 2019 Grand Final, just months after the club selected him in the Mid-Season Draft.

The smooth-moving utility had turned his life around after a difficult upbringing that included 30 months in prison in his early 20s.

He started playing football with South Fremantle upon his release and was one of the best midfielders in the WAFL when selected by the Tigers.

Following the Grand Final, he was the subject of a book and an episode of the ABC’s Australian Story

He also featured in Richmond’s 2020 premiership team and all up has played 70 games for the Tigers. He kicked the match-winner in the dying moments against the GWS Giants just a fortnight ago.

In further sour news for the Tigers, beloved three-time premiership defender Bachar Houli is recovering in hospital after suffering multiple fractures in a car accident near Corryong in north-east Victoria.