IN HIS first senior game for WAFL club South Fremantle late inthe season, Jarrod Pickett kicked a goal with his first touch, a55-metre long bomb.
The next week he kickedtwo goals in the final few minutes of the game to give his side aone-point win. The first goal came after a huge mark deep in attack, andthe second from a checkside kick on the boundary. If anyone neededreminding of Pickett's quality, they got it.
That was where the Indigenous prospectplayed his best footy, having built an engine to get around the ground.His taste of senior action for South Fremantle to end the WAFL seasonwas important, and he didn't look out of place at 180cm and 76kg.
Pickett might be the most exhilarating player in the draft. His runand carry, elite speed and damaging skills make him a possible top-10selection.
He can run a 20-metre sprint in 2.8seconds, has broken eight seconds for the agility test, and uses thatacceleration in games, regularly tucking the ball under his arm andbacking himself.
His standout game of the yearcame against South Australia in the under-18 championships when hekicked three brilliant goals and gathered 22 disposals. It was anelectrifying display.
Pickett has improved hisendurance to go with his speed. He attended last month's nationalcombine knowing he had to prove his running capabilities, and recorded a14.4 beep test and 11:07 three-kilometre time trial.
He's a positive, driven and professional character who has been working towards his AFL opportunity for some time.
Hisinconsistency has been an issue throughout the season, and while hisbest games are amazing, his quiet ones can be very quiet. DefensivelyPickett can improve – with his tackling sure to be a focus over thefirst stage of his AFL career.
Pickett has a lot of traits that are similar to Hawthorn's Bradley Hill when he entered the system at the end of 2011.
Hillwas naturally a better aerobic runner at that time but Pickett hasbecome a very good one. When up and going, Pickett's ability to sweepthe ball quickly from one end to the other is much like Hill's, who hasfound his niche on a wing for the Hawks.
With his point of difference, Pickett has had a lot of interestfrom clubs through the season. He is likely to be picked in the 4-10range.
A high-end talent who can produce brilliant match-turning momentson a regular basis. Pickett is the flyer of this year's draft: he getsthe ball, senses he's got some room to take the game on and has thewheels to get past anyone. He has the best highlights package in thedraft.
