Andrew Krakouer knows exactly what this stunning AFL debut means for Marlion Pickett.
The former Richmond and Collingwood forward tweeted his congratulations after the Tigers named Pickett for Saturday’s grand final against GWS.
Pickett will become the first AFL player since 1952, and only the fifth in the league’s history, to debut in the premiership decider.
Pickett, like Krakouer, also did jail time.
“Things can change, keep faith and with a positive mindset, hard work and great support, anything is possible,” Krakouer tweeted.
“Marlion Pickett has a similar journey to mine …. mistakes made, jail now in an AFL grand final!”
Pickett said he had seen Krakouer’s post.
“My story is a good story – but that’s life I guess,” he said.
“He’s a good story as well, I’m just looking to change for the better, for my kids.”
Media swarmed around Pickett’s car at the start of the grand final parade on Friday.
The 27-year-old sat next to teammate Sydney Stack, who was babysitting Pickett’s younger children Shaniquae, four, and Levi, two.
In the car behind were Shai Bolton and Daniel Rioli, on child-minding duties with Marlion, nine, and Latrell, eight.
Pickett, his partner Jessica and their four children moved across to Melbourne when Richmond drafted him in late May.
He only made his VFL debut last month after recovering from finger surgery and secured the AFL berth when he was best afield in last Sunday’s VFL grand final.
Pickett said he felt for teammates Jack Ross and Kamdyn McIntosh, who missed out on being recalled for the AFL grand final.
“I thought I might have been an emergency. I was happy to do that role,” he said.
“But then I was sat down yesterday and I was over the moon – mixed emotions, I still can’t believe it.
“I was happy, I felt for Jack Ross and Kamdyn McIntosh.
“I didn’t know what to think yesterday.”
Pickett’s parents Thomas and Angela are flying across on Friday afternoon, although his Dad is not good with planes.
“He’s ready … we might have to give him some sleeping tablets,” Pickett said.
Pickett laid nine tackles in the VFL grand final and whatever happens on Saturday, he will try to apply pressure on the Giants.
“Hopefully, eventually, as the game goes on I will get a touch,” he said.
“But if not, I will be happy to put the pressure on, tackles.
“If I’m not getting the ball I can tackle and keep the pressure up, do my team role.”