KYSAIAH Pickett, or ‘Kozzy’, as he likes to be called, won’t be the first member of his family to pull on the red and blue.

His uncle, Byron Pickett, played 29 games for Melbourne across the 2006 and 2007 seasons, and has been a massive support for him in recent years.

The 18-year-old spent time living with Byron in Adelaide and says he shares a special bond with the former Demon.

“My family is pretty proud of that and they’re really relieved that [the draft is] over,” Pickett told Melbourne Media.

“He's helped me throughout the years since I’ve been there and he gives me a lot of advice.”

In a further connection to the club, Pickett now joins ‘Uncle Nev’ (Neville Jetta) at the Dees.

“Leading up to this he’s given me a lot of advice and he’s told me to soak it all up,” Pickett said.

“I think I’m pretty keen to get started and hopefully be playing with him.”

While the small forward will be playing at the opposite end of the field to his uncle, he’s sure to win the hearts of Melbourne fans just as quickly.

 

With an irresistible highlights package, Pickett says there are a few things he'd like to bring to the MCG.

“I guess some goals, hopefully some huge tackles and bumps. Hopefully I can put in a few speckies as well,” he said.

While Pickett was thrilled to be a first round selection in Wednesday night’s National Draft, he’s just excited to officially be an AFL player.

“I didn’t really expect it, but I guess it is what it is and I’m pretty relieved that I’ve been able to be noticed and taken at the 12th pick,” he said.

The South Australian is now ready to embark on a new journey in his life and will be sure to make an impact when he joins his teammates at training next week.