IT’S FAIR to say Kysaiah Pickett lets his actions do the talking.
He’s a man of very few words, but he’s as talented as they come.
The 18-year-old, who was selected with pick No.12 in the 2019 National Draft, played his first game of senior footy on Saturday, and looked right at home.
Pickett had six disposals throughout the afternoon, overcoming some nerves to contribute to Melbourne’s 33-point win against the Crows.
“It was very nerve-wracking coming into it but I guess once I got into it I felt pretty comfy,” Pickett told Melbourne Media post-game.
“I guess because me and Jacko were both with each other throughout the whole experience, me and him were very nervous – trying to say that we weren’t but I guess we were, and you could see that we were.
“But I guess once we got into it, it just helped a lot.”
Volume up for this one. ??
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) February 22, 2020
Kozzy chats about his first outing at AFL level. ???? pic.twitter.com/XI0Brpbabh
Pickett had the support of his senior teammates in the Marsh Community Series match, saying their leadership helped him settle in quickly.
“When you’re out there all the boys – Jonesy, Melky and Nibbler – they all helped me feel pretty comfy out there,” he said.
While there were some early jitters, it didn’t take Pickett long to excite the Melbourne fans, slotting a banana goal in the second term to give a glimpse of what he’s capable of.
But it was his work without ball in hand that may have been most impressive, laying five tackles and repeatedly pressuring Adelaide into turnovers.
“I think that’s the main strength I focus on and bring to my game,” he said.
Pickett demonstrated plenty of attributes that will make him a valuable player for the Dees this season, but he isn’t getting too far ahead of himself just yet.
“That does bring a little bit of confidence, but I guess anything could happen leading into Round 1,” he said.
Melbourne have two hit-outs remaining prior to the season proper, playing a practice match against the Kangas next Friday, followed by a clash with the Hawks in Tasmania.