CATS IN MIX FOR KELLY’S MIDFIELDER MATE
CATS IN THE HUNT FOR KELLY’S MIDFIELDER MATE
GEELONG is one of several clubs believed to be in the hunt for reformed WAFL star Marlion Pickett.
Pickett was jailed in his late teens and starred in the Wooroloo Prison Farm team that was the subject of an ABC documentary.
AFL clubs have previously been wary of Pickett’s history but he has been a model citizen since his release in 2013 over five seasons for South Fremantle, and many experts are satisfied he is a new man, worthy of a chance at an AFL career.
It is understood Gold Coast, West Coast and Geelong are in the race.
He is expected to nominate for the draft after several clubs informed him of their interest.
The 26-year-old dominated off halfback for South Fremantle in recent years but asked for a shift into the midfield this season after former teammate Tim Kelly’s move to Geelong created an opening.
The Cats are buoyed by Kelly’s success, and the fact the pair are close mates and their partners are old friends could help both, and their families, settle in at Geelong.
Pickett captured the attention of AFL clubs in Round 6 against Swan Districts where he collected 30 possessions, 21 of them contested, and won nine clearances in a best-onground performance that also in- cluded seven tackles, five inside 50s and a goal.
Kelly’s stunning debut season and the success of players such as GWS’s Zac Langdon, Essendon’s Matt Guelfi and Fremantle’s Bailey Banfield has shifted many recruiters’ eyes back to the WAFL and Pickett. He’s a contested ball-winner with a huge leap and line-breaking foot speed and is considered ready-made for AFL footy.
Gold Coast list manager Craig Cameron confirmed they were tracking the hard-nosed midfielder, who he felt should not be held to account forever for a mistake in his youth.
“He’s carving it up at South Fremantle, he has had some issues in his backstory but he has got past them and is playing great footy,’’ Cameron said.
“We would be crazy not to look at him. We will bring some elite young talent through the draft but we can’t rely totally on the kids.
“He is carrying ‘the next Tim Kelly’ label but he’s a slightly different player.
“He’s a bit more of an inside midfielder and he’s a bit older than Kelly also.’’