Kysaiah Pickett will play in Demons midfield in return from suspension

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says Kysaiah Pickett’s two-week ban has helped set in concrete his new role for the Demons.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin hopes dynamic youngster Kysaiah Pickett is nearing a new contract with the Demons. Picture: Quinn Rooney / Getty Images

Simon Goodwin says speedster Kysaiah Pickett will be injected straight into Melbourne’s midfield on his return from suspension, while his contract negotiations are in a “great spot”.

The 21-year-old, who starred in round 1 with 19 disposals, eight tackles and four goals, has been working “incredibly hard” on his aerobic fitness during his two-week ban for a dangerous high bump on Bailey Smith, the Demons coach said.

“He’s had a little bit of extra conditioning … we’ve tried to use it as an opportunity to actually continue to grow his game,” Goodwin said.

“Obviously, before he left the team he was playing in the midfield and a bit more forward, and we’re going to look to do that again with him.

“He’s got electric speed and we continue to focus on that but also continue to build his capacity to play some midfield time for us.”

Goodwin said there was a tough selection decision to be made to accommodate Pickett’s return after the Demons’ comprehensive 50-point win over Sydney on Sunday.

Kysaiah Pickett will be used in the midfield extensively alongside star Melbouren duo Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca. Picture: Darrian Traynor / Getty Images

He suggested a midfielder may be vulnerable due to the impressive form of the Demons’ small forwards, including 23-year-old Kade Chandler, who booted three goals against the Swans and is rated elite for tackles inside 50.

“We think we’ve got an opportunity to continue to grow our game internally as a footy club, and Kozzie is a big part of that,” Goodwin said.

“He adds a different dynamic to our midfield when he’s in there, and we’ve got some small forwards going really well at the moment in Kade Chandler, Charlie Spargo and Alex Neal-Bullen.

Ben Brown is in doubt for the West Coast clash with a back injury sustained in the win over the Swans on Sunday. Picture: Russell Freeman / Getty Images

“We feel using Kozzie at times through the midfield is going to be really important to us.”

Goodwin said he was confident Melbourne could sign Pickett to a new deal before the end of the season.

“We’ve been in constant communication with Kozzie and his management team … he’s a pretty important player for us,” he said.

“We’re hopeful that it’s going to get done fairly soon, we think it’s in a great spot, moving forward.”

Melbourne will take a cautious approach with Ben Brown ahead of the trip to Perth to face West Coast, with the key forward nursing a back complaint.

Goodwin said he would be tested at training on Thursday, with Tom McDonald waiting in the wings should Brown miss the Eagles clash.

James Harmes was likely to return to the club next week and resume training after taking a break from the game for personal reasons, Goodwin said.

Originally published as Kysaiah Pickett will play in Demons midfield in return from suspension