Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has declared contract talks with Kysaiah Pickett in a “great spot” because the AFL membership welcomes again the livewire ahead from suspension.
Pickett will return from his two-match tough conduct ban in Sunday’s conflict with West Coast, able to resume his adaptation from small ahead into midfield X-factor.
The 21-year-old premiership speedster, who attracted sturdy curiosity from Port Adelaide final 12 months, is off contract on the finish of this season.
The Demons are reportedly keen to supply Pickett a long-term deal to remain on the membership.
“We’ve been in constant communication with Koz and his management team,” Goodwin informed reporters on Thursday.
“He’s a pretty important player for us as a footy club and we love him, and he loves this footy club.
“We’re hopeful that it should get performed pretty quickly. We suppose it is in an amazing spot transferring ahead.
“But the most important thing for Kozzy right now is to get him back playing footy in our side.”
Goodwin mentioned Pickett has used his two weeks on the sidelines to do further conditioning work, with an eye fixed in direction of constructing his tank.
“He’s got electric speed and we’ll continue to focus on that but also his capacity to play some midfield time for us,” Goodwin mentioned.
“We think we’ve got an opportunity to grow our game internally as a footy club and Kozzy is a big part of that.
“He provides a unique dynamic to our midfield when he is in there … so we really feel utilizing Kozzy at occasions by the midfield goes to be actually vital to us.”
Goodwin said the strong form of small forwards Kyle Chandler, Charlie Spargo and Alex Neal-Bullen would give Melbourne the flexibility to continue the Pickett midfield experiment.
There is a close watch on the Demons’ tall forward mix, with Ben Brown (tight back) needing to pass a fitness test after being substituted out of last week’s win over Sydney.
Jacob van Rooyen kicked three goals on debut against the Swans and regular defender Harry Petty played forward, while Tom McDonald impressed after being dropped to the reserves.
Goodwin mentioned James Harmes will miss no less than another match by private causes however expects him again on the membership subsequent week.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
