Marlion Pickett in frame to join Jonathan Simpkin and Steven King with VFL-AFL premiership in same season
Marlion Pickett can become one of only three players to complete the VFL-AFL premiership double when he makes a remarkable AFL debut in Saturday’s grand final.
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The last player to complete the VFL-AFL premiership double has urged Marlion Pickett to harness the faith Richmond has shown when he makes a remarkable AFL debut in Saturday’s grand final.
Ex-Hawthorn midfielder Jonathan Simpkin was a member of Box Hill and Hawthorn’s premiership teams in 2013, winning the Norm Goss Medal as the best player in the VFL decider before replacing an injured Brendan Whitecross for the AFL grand final.
“The coaching staff have got faith in him, so (he can) just to use that in the back of his mind,” Simpkin said.
“They have got belief he can get through the game and have an impact.”
Pickett’s experience in the past week has had many parallels to Simpkin’s six years ago.
Whitecross and Tiger Jack Graham were both injured in Friday night preliminary finals, effectively turning the VFL grand final into an AFL audition.
“We knew there was a position there and it could have been out of six or seven guys that could have gone up,” Simpkin said.
Simpkin had 26 disposals and two goals in the VFL to be given the nod, but had to wait until three-quarter-time to enter the fray the next weekend after being named as Hawthorn’s sub.
“The first few nights early in the week, for me personally, they were pretty sleepless nights,” he said.
“You sort of knew you were in the frame, having been involved in the VFL and (winning) the medal for best on ground.
“He would have known he was in the mix.”
While Jack Ross and Kamdyn McIntosh were withdrawn from Sunday’s VFL grand final, Pickett convinced the Tigers he should replace Graham with 20 disposals, nine tackles and a goal.
“(Selection) wasn’t on the front of the mind, but afterwards it came on pretty quick,” Simpkin said.
“I think five or six of us got a tap on the shoulder from (then Hawks football boss) Chris Fagan to behave that night, don’t go out and don’t drink any beers.”
Simpkin had six possessions in the last term of the 2013 decider, helping the Hawks open an unassailable lead after his injection with a quarter to play.
Former Geelong ruckman Steven King also achieved the VFL-AFL double in 2007.
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Originally published as Marlion Pickett in frame to join Jonathan Simpkin and Steven King with VFL-AFL premiership in same season
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