Richmond premiership hero Marlion Pickett arrested in Perth

Richmond premiership star Marlion Pickett is in custody in WA facing criminal charges after being arrested following the Tigers’ win against Fremantle.

Marlion Pickett kicks the matchwinning goal against GWS. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Richmond dual premiership star Marlion Pickett has been dramatically arrested over alleged burglary charges just hours after he helped lead his club to victory in Perth.

Pickett was on Sunday remanded in custody over a series of alleged burglary charges dating back to December last year.

He is due to face Perth Magistrates Court Monday for a bail hearing.

His manager last night confirmed Pickett would fight the charges.

West Australian police confirmed Midland detectives had charged a 31-year-old man with four counts of aggravated burglary, three counts of stealing and three counts of criminal damage during commercial burglaries between December 2022 and January 2023.

Richmond said on Sunday night in a statement it would support Pickett who was in Perth over the weekend and played a key role in the club’s 15 point victory over Fremantle on Saturday night.

Pickett had reportedly stayed on in WA to visit family after his teammates left, according to reports in the West Australian.

The Richmond statement released shortly after 8.15pm on Sunday stated: “The Club will continue to support Marlion and his family while these matters are dealt with.

“As this matter is now before the courts, the Club will not be making any further comment.”

Marlion Pickett kicks the matchwinning goal against GWS. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Pickett’s manager Anthony Van Der Wielen told the Herald Sun in a statement his client would defend himself against the charges.

“In response to the allegations, Marlion has a strong intent to defend himself against the charges.

“Due to the ongoing legal nature of the proceedings, Marlion, or myself will not be able to provide any further details, comment or clarification about the matter at this stage.

We understand and respect the public’s interest in this matter, but we also implore all to respect the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise, and to allow the legal proceedings to follow their due course without prejudice,” the statement read.

Pickett played an extraordinary role in Richmond’s 2019 premiership victory after being selected in the mid-season draft before playing his first AFL game in that year’s Grand Final.

Pickett became an instant cult start after becoming the first player in 67 years to debut in a Grand Final.

Pickett was able to turn his life around by signing a two-year deal worth $500,000 a season after playing in a second successive premiership in 2020 after his first full season in football.

Pickett was out of contract this season after signing a one-year deal for 2023.

The father-of-four has been open about his criminal past before and his stint in jail but had been seen as an inspiration for his capacity to use football to change his life.

Marlion Pickett of the Tigers celebrates the 2019 premiership. (AAP Image/Michael Dodge)

Pickett has previously spoken about his time in Perth’s hardcore Acacia Prison, saying “it woke me up”.

“It woke me up and changed my perspective on who my true friends were because I didn’t really have anyone apart from my missus come and visit me,” he said in an interview with the Herald Sun in June 2021.

“Having her in my corner was so important. We all change, but if you really want to change you’ve got to do it for yourself and I had something (family and footy) to change for,” he said.

After another strong year playing in a variety of roles, including kicking the match-winner against GWS last week, Pickett was again set to be strongly rewarded for his form and durability.

With 70 games under his belt he would have hoped to play 100 games at Richmond, although with a premiership to his name, he was already a Tigers life member.

The Noongar man has also become an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth ambassador at Richmond’s Korin Gamadji Institute.

Originally published as Richmond premiership hero Marlion Pickett arrested in Perth