As few as eight members from Richmond’s illustrious 2020 premiership squad might remain on the roster for the upcoming season following the retirement announcement of dual flag-winger Marlion Pickett. At 32 years of age, Pickett is set to grace the field for his 91st and final AFL appearance against Gold Coast at the MCG this Saturday. This fixture will not only serve as a grand send-off for the celebrated Dustin Martin but could also mark the end of an era for Shai Bolton, Liam Baker, Jack Graham, and Daniel Rioli, each of whom may be concluding their tenure in the iconic yellow and black.
Tigers’ coach Adem Yze has affirmed that Pickett, who made his debut in the 2019 grand final victory, will receive a ceremonial farewell game. This decision comes as Pickett’s return was thwarted by recurring soft tissue injuries since round 12, preventing his participation in the latter part of the season.
Marlion Pickett will draw the curtain on his illustrious six-season career in the AFL after Saturday’s match against Gold Coast at the MCG. The 32-year-old expressed his gratitude to those who encouraged him to persevere when he was on the brink of abandoning his AFL aspirations.
Reflecting on his journey, Pickett remarked, “It’s been a remarkable odyssey… I never truly believed that I would even make it to the draft.” He added, “Being selected to don the black and yellow is a profound honor, and wearing it has been an even greater privilege.”
“My upbringing and past were unlike anyone else’s; getting drafted was no easy feat. I was passed over for six or seven years, and by 2019, I was on the verge of abandoning all my dreams.
Luckily, I had some people in my corner who urged me to hold on… They encouraged me to give it just one more year.
Those five years felt like a decade, but through all the blood, sweat, and tears, it was a privilege – especially doing it alongside this incredible group of blokes.
I’m immensely proud to be a Richmond man, and I’ll deeply miss the game.”
In his retirement speech, Pickett extended heartfelt gratitude to several Richmond officials and teammates for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
“There have been some truly remarkable individuals who have crossed my path, making the journey just that little bit easier,” he reflected.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices made along the way, adding, “The decisions we made to take this path… it was all worth it.”
Pickett has competed in 90 AFL games after being picked up by Richmond in the 2019 Mid-Season Rookie Draft at 27 years old, coming from South Fremantle. The West Australian etched his name in footy folklore with his extraordinary debut in that year’s Grand Final, where he collected 22 disposals, kicked a goal, and earned Norm Smith Medal votes as Richmond secured the premiership.
Pickett, who had secured the Norm Goss Medal merely six days earlier for his best-on-ground performance in the Tigers’ 2019 VFL premiership, continued his remarkable form. He swiftly transitioned from a fairytale debut to becoming a key contributor, featuring in 19 out of a possible 21 games during the 2020 season.
After making his debut as an inside midfielder, Pickett solidified his place in the team as a wingman during that 2020 campaign, capping it off by winning his second premiership in as many seasons. His adaptability and impact made him a fixture in the AFL side over the next two years, where he continued to excel on the wing. In 2022, Pickett’s consistency and tenacity saw him finish 7th in the Jack Dyer Medal as Richmond returned to finals contention.
In 2023, the versatile Pickett reached a career-high by playing 21 games, displaying his remarkable adaptability by taking on roles as an undersized key forward and even as a ruck. His fierce competitiveness and natural talent were on full display, further cementing his legacy at the club.