Richmond addresses media as Marlion Pickett returns to Melbourne after arrest

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale has explained why Marlion Pickett won’t play St Kilda on Saturday night – and when he will be back. Get the latest here.

Richmond star Marlion Pickett leaves Perth Magistrates Court. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Sleepless nights, a sore hip and next week’s bye helped Marlion Pickett accept Richmond’s decision that he should sit out Trent Cotchin’s 300th game on Saturday night after his arrest over a series of alleged burglaries in Perth.

Pickett, 31, will return to Punt Rd on Thursday and is targeting a return against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba in round 16 as Tigers boss Brendon Gale warned it could take “potentially years” for the police charges to play out.

The dual premiership wingman did not attend Tuesday’s training session after spending Sunday night behind bars and landing back in Melbourne around midnight on Monday night.

Pickett had his hand up to play against St Kilda at the MCG this week, but Gale said that “the emotional burden has been significant” and it was in his best interests to miss one match.

Next week’s bye gives Pickett a 19-day break between matches.

It’s understood Pickett has been greatly appreciative of the support he has received from Tigers football boss Blair Hartley and Indigenous leadership director Angela Burt this week.

While Pickett had wanted to line up at the MCG on Saturday night, he has since understood the decision was purely made with his welfare in mind.

Gale said the Tigers were made aware of the situation late last week and knew Pickett faced questioning by WA police following Saturday night’s win against Fremantle.

Marlion Pickett outside Perth Magistrates Court. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

It has been alleged that Pickett stole more than $380,000 during a string of burglaries of commercial properties.

But Gale said: “These are allegations and we’re going to operate on the presumption that he is innocent and justice will run its course”.

Gale paid tribute to Pickett’s stunning redemption story. The WAFL star was drafted mid-season in 2019 and made a Cinderella debut in that year’s grand final.

“He’s turned his life around against all the odds,” Gale said on Tuesday.

“He’s been an inspiration to his teammates, to me, to many.

“Nothing’s come easy to Marlion, he’s had to deal with his challenges and we drafted Marlion eyes wide open acknowledging the incredible work he’d done to turn his life around.”

Pickett won a remarkable two AFL flags in his first 20 games.

Trent Cotchin arrives at Richmond HQ on Tuesday morning. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

It’s understood the Tigers will consider handing Sam Banks an AFL debut in Pickett’s absence against the Saints.

The 20-year-old had 24 disposals (92 per cent efficiency) and 119 SuperCoach points in the VFL on Saturday and was drafted with pick No.29 in 2021.

Gale – who said he was “shocked” by the allegations – stressed that it was important Pickett remained engaged at Tigerland ahead of his return on Thursday.

“He wanted to play. You wouldn’t expect anything else,” Gale said.

“We think that’s really important for him to do that (return to training) at this stage, and for his family, and we fully expect him to play against Brisbane in two weeks’ time.

“We think the best thing for him is to be back here to be engaged in this club, working hard and continuing to be a really positive role model.”

Gale also provided an update on Bachar Houli, who Cotchin has visited in intensive care at hospital after a near-fatal accident on the weekend.

Gale said Bachar was “dear to our hearts” and faced a long recovery.

Originally published as Richmond addresses media as Marlion Pickett returns to Melbourne after arrest