Richmond and GWS players will be feted at public parade before their coaches settle AFL grand final selections.
The Tigers, carrying overwhelming favouritism, have picked Marlion Pickett to make his AFL debut in a grand final – the first player to do so in 67 years.
Pickett’s selection, replacing the injured Jack Graham (shoulder), is a remarkable step on a personal journey.
Pickett spent time in jail for burglary before rising through WAFL ranks and to Richmond via the midseason draft.
“I’m still pinching myself – I didn’t think my debut would come around this early, but it has, and I will just take it with both hands,” he said.
Pickett will be among Richmond and GWS players at the traditional grand final parade through Melbourne streets on Friday morning.
He played in a VFL premiership last week, after joining Richmond midseason from the WAFL.
“He’s a very talented player,” Richmond football boss Neil Balme said.
“If you saw the VFL games, you could see the sort of player he is. When something was required, he delivered and that’s not just being a flash player, it’s just you could see how seriously he takes the game.
“He does think he can have an influence so it will be interesting to see how he goes.”
The Tigers and Giants, rated a $3.20 shot to Richmond’s $1.40 by bookies, will train after the parade.
Polarising forward Toby Greene returns with star winger Lachie Whitfield, who had an appendix removed last week.
The brilliant duo replace Lachie Keefe and Bobby Hill for the Giants’ first grand final side.