Demon’s dominance shows why he’d be a star Dockers recruit

A fast, furious, skillful excitement machine, blessed with breathtaking talent, Kysaiah Pickett did it all and more on Saturday.

Pickett produced one of the performances of the season, and was the architect in lifting the previously winless Demons to a stunning upset win over the Dockers.

The 23-year-old was unstoppable, wreaking havoc as he split his time between midfield and deep forward, resulting in a five-goal, 23-disposal showing.

Pickett’s dazzling display showcased exactly why Fremantle are so keen on getting him home.

As far as job auditions go, they don’t get any better as Pickett exposed the Dockers’ usually stingy defence.

Melbourne’s makeshift attack – minus Bailey Fritsch and WA’s Jacob Van Rooyen, who were both dropped – had 74 points on the board at the main break, a figure which was their highest score of the season when entering the game.

Rumours and speculation went into overdrive recently as talk of Pickett’s return to WA was constant.

Such was the hype, Melbourne president Brad Green demanded three first-round picks as compensation, should the contracted premiership star depart.

Leaving the MCG on Saturday, Dockers coach Justin Longmuir, list boss David Walls and the Dockers hierarchy may well be thinking they need to get creative at the trade table.

As the saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them.

Or, in Freo’s case, get Pickett to join you.

West Coast sees promise in narrow defeat to Essendon

On Friday night, Elijah Hewett reminded everyone in the footy world of his capacity to become an elite player.

In recent times, the 20-year-old has spent more time battling his body than opponents, sitting out all of 2024 with a serious foot injury, and restricting him to only 18 matches in his first three seasons.

Returning from a calf complaint to face the Bombers, the first-round selection in the 2022 draft dominated the second half, almost willing the Eagles over the line for their first win of the season.

Gathering 17 touches, including 12 contested, Hewett had five score involvements. He relished increased responsibility and time in the midfield, utilising his power to break free in traffic.

The Swan Districts product was just as effective when pushing forward, nailing two long-range bombs.

Hewett’s a game-breaker with flair and confidence to match – and he wasn’t alone. In the opening quarter, Brady Hough’s hard-edged attack on the wing against Archie Perkins set up Jack Williams for goal.

Harley Reid’s bone-crunching tackle on Sam Durham resulted in Jake Waterman’s third major of the term – both helping the Eagles win the quarter for just the second time this year.

They were two early acts which laid the foundations for winning the contested possession count for the first time in 2025.

The challenge now is to do it on a consistent basis.

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