IMV the choice of playing Pickett came down to two factors:
(i) Pickett was the form player at VFL level compared to Ross, Kmac & Stack. At least in a like-for-like replacement for Graham he was definitely ahead of Ross since the latter returned from injury. What would've hurt Ross was his ordinary game against the Eagles in a finals-like contest. Also it's going to be dry. If it was going to be a wet slog then Ross may have got the nod.
(ii) The first rule in the art of war is 'know thy enemy'. The fact that all of us who post on a Richmond forum and watch religiously Richmond games at both AFL & VFL levels don't have a clue how Pickett will go on GF day means GWS don't either. He's an unknown. Will he spud it up and be exposed in the pressure cooker environment and quicker tempo so he's nobody for the Giants to worry about and plan for? Will he just play his role and have no impact either way on the game so again a nobody to worry about and but they still need to plan for? Will he be a one game wonder who does a Dean Polo and flies under the radar having 25 disposals and kick 3 goals on debut?
In an era of footy when every aspect of the game is heavily scrutinised and every possible stat analysed to death, throwing an unknown at the enemy could end up being a surprise tactical advantage. We'll find out 5.30pm if it works or doesn't.
