Melbourne Demons captain Max Gawn has expressed his commitment to supporting teammate Kysaiah Pickett amid ongoing speculation regarding Pickett’s potential departure from the club. Reports have surfaced indicating that the young forward has been in contact with friends from Fremantle about possibly joining the Dockers next year, further fuelled by his social media interactions hinting at such a move. Despite these rumours, no trades took place in the recent off-season.
Demons president Brad Green has made it clear that the club would only entertain offers of two or three first-round draft picks for Pickett, a stance Gawn joked about, suggesting Green “may have gone rogue.” Nevertheless, Gawn emphasised his priority: ensuring Pickett feels supported and plays at his best during the upcoming season.
In an interview on Triple M, Gawn acknowledged the realities of professional sports and the impact of free agency. He noted Pickett’s connections to family back in Western Australia and South Australia, stating, “Let’s put all eggs in the basket of making Kozzy play the best footy.” He committed to making Pickett feel comfortable and appreciated, recognising how crucial the forward’s performance will be for the team this year. Gawn asserted that he focuses on Pickett’s day-to-day contributions rather than the swirling rumours, aiming to motivate him to excel on the field.
Earlier in February, when questioned about the texts he exchanged with friends, Pickett dismissed the concern, clarifying that they were simply staying in touch as friends. He added, “I’m contracted at Melbourne. I’m having fun there, and I love it at the club,” but did admit to experiencing homesickness while living in Melbourne.
In conclusion, while uncertainty looms over Pickett’s future with the Demons, Gawn’s supportive approach aims to keep him focused and performing to the best of his abilities throughout the season.