'I'm a relaxed guy': Pickett will be undaunted in GF Travis King
AFL Media
Sep 27, 2019 Marlion Pickett's former coach insists the Grand Final debutant won't be daunted by the big stage after his fairytale call-up for Richmond.
Pickett, 27, will become the first player in 67 years to debut in the season-decider against Greater Western Sydney – just days after the mid-season rookie draftee claimed the Norm Goss Medal as best afield in the VFL's showpiece game.
In just his sixth game for Richmond's seconds, Pickett collected 19 touches, laid nine tackles and booted a goal in the three-point nailbiter.
Now the ex-South Fremantle tough nut has been named for the biggest game of his life on the MCG in front of 100,000 spectators.
"The emotions are a bit of everything. When I was told I didn't believe it - I probably still can't believe it," Pickett said.
"I'm just looking forward for the weekend.
"I'm still pinching myself - I didn't think my debut would come around this early, but it has, and I will just take it with both hands.
"Wherever I do play, I will give it my all and leave everything out there."
Despite the enormity of what is happening, Pickett was taking it all in his stride.
"I'm a relaxed guy," he said.
"I was getting ready for a good pre-season, but then I got the call up.
"I'm still relaxed. A bit nervous, but it's alright."
"I'm just rapt, It's fantastic," South coach Todd Curley told AFL.com.au.
"Just so happy for Marlion and all the work that he's done. He's obviously worked really hard in the last four months and the Richmond footy club has been fantastic, so it's great for them and great for Marlion.
"I don't think (he will be daunted). He's a relaxed character.
"It's a Grand Final, but I don't think he'll be that fussed whether there's 100 or 100,000 (fans), he'll see the ball and get the ball.
"He's not your run-of-the-mill first-year player. He's played 100 WAFL games, he's played state footy, played some big VFL finals.
"Yeah, it's his first AFL game but I'll back him in. He won't let you down."
Pickett was flown to Gold Coast by the Suns last year and attracted interest from St Kilda before being overlooked in the drafts.
When a broken finger delayed his start to the WAFL season – and he then suffered a recurrence in his second game back only days before the mid-season draft – it appeared his AFL hopes were shattered.
"We spoke about it (missing out last year) but he was fiercely determined to get better, just knuckle down, train hard and just be the best player he could be at South," Curley recalled.
"He was obviously aware that with the mid-season draft there was still an opportunity if he got up and going early.
"Unfortunately he broke his finger, and the real doubts were probably when he broke his finger the second time.
"Thankfully, Richmond footy club were tremendously courageous to pick him.
"We've always been of the belief if we could get someone to be courageous enough to take him, once they saw him first-hand at clubland and had him within their system he'd really be able to show what he can do."
After starring across half-back, Pickett asked Curley to fill Tim Kelly's shoes in midfield last year once his teammate finally earned an AFL chance at Geelong.
It was a raging success, with Pickett claiming his second club champion award.
The devoted father's standout display came in the qualifying final win over West Perth when he kicked four goals from 26 touches.
After spending more than two years in jail as a teenager, Pickett has turned his life around and could complete one of the most incredible Grand Final stories if the Tigers clinch the flag this Saturday.
"He's a father of four, fiercely protective of his family and friends and teammates and footy club," said Curley, who will be in the crowd at the MCG.
"Once you support Marlion and you earn his trust he's a fantastic person and he's just a great man.
"He's really grown as a person.
"We're just so happy for him."
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-09-27/pickett-will-be-undaunted-in-gf
