Pickett, Stack dreaming of AFL grand final

Richmond mid-season recruit Marlion Pickett says he would be “over the moon” if he was selected to make his debut in next week’s AFL grand final.

Pickett won the Norm Goss Medal for a best-on-ground performance that included 20 disposals, nine tackles and a goal.

“It felt awesome. It was a good team effort,” Pickett said post-match.

“I don’t know about that (being a big game player). If not, I am happy for next year.

“It would mean a lot (to play in a AFL grand final) but if it happens I’ll be over the moon. But if it doesn’t, I am not too fussed about it.”

Pickett was a dual best-and-fairest winner in the WAFL with South Fremantle when Richmond drafted him mid-year.

“I am stoked because of where I have come from and I am enjoying it,” he said.

RIchmond VFL coach Craig Macrae praised Pickett’s ability to step up in big games but said it was difficult to know whether the 27-year-old could step up in an AFL grand final.

“Who knows. He hasn’t played an AFL game but he plays above the level of VFL and previously that’s stood up at AFL level and players play well when they go up,” Macrae said.

“But he hasn’t played, this is a grand final, I think who knows – he’s a great player and it’d be a good story.”

Macrae said Richmond coach Damien Hardwick had given him clear instructions pre-game on what he expected.

Meanwhile, Macrae was happy with how Sydney Stack performed, on restricted game time in his return from ankle surgery.

“Sydney was started at quarter-time, he just played probably three-quarters of the game or 70 minutes,” Macrae said.

“And he got a heavy contact in the last quarter so that slowed him down a bit but he looked like he was moving better and better.”

The Richmond youngster, who has played 17 top flight games for the Tigers, said he would “love” to play in the AFL grand final.

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