Former Richmond captain Trent Cotchin says it was “business as usual” for Marlion Pickett on his return to the AFL membership, three days after he confronted a Perth court docket.
Pickett was granted bail on Monday after showing on 12 fees together with 4 counts of aggravated housebreaking, three counts of stealing and three counts of felony harm.
The 31-year-old resumed coaching with Tigers teammates at Punt Rd on Thursday, however will not be chosen to play towards St Kilda on Saturday night time.
“It was good to have Marlion in this morning, out there training,” Cotchin informed reporters.
“He’s such an important part of our footy club and our team.
“What he brings is actually particular from a management perspective, not simply with our Indigenous boys however our complete group.
“Knowing the person that Marlion is, he’ll stay strong and we’ll be right behind him.”
On arrival at Punt Rd on Thursday morning, Pickett informed reporters he was grateful to Richmond for welcoming him again and was hopeful of enjoying soccer once more quickly.
The utility is predicted to be thought-about for choice for the sport towards Brisbane in spherical 16, after the Tigers’ mid-season bye.
Richmond officers had been made conscious of the allegations towards Pickett late final week and knew he could be required to talk to police after the Tigers’ conflict with Fremantle at Optus Stadium final Saturday night time.
Cotchin stated particulars had been held again from Pickett’s teammates earlier than the match, which Richmond received by 15 factors.
“I don’t think the playing group had any sight of it, which is a credit to the way that the management have managed that process,” Cotchin stated.
“My response was as it is with everyone; I don’t like to make assumptions. That’s one of the rules that I go by.
“We love Marlion for who he’s and what he brings to our footy membership, and we’ll be proper behind him.”
Pickett has played 70 games for Richmond, having famously made his AFL debut in their 2019 premiership triumph, just months after being recruited via the mid-season draft.
The first VFL/AFL participant in 67 years to debut in a grand ultimate and the primary since 1926 to win a flag, he received a second premiership with the Tigers in 2020.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au