Kysaiah Pickett learns fate after knocking out Pie skipper Darcy Moore

The AFL Match Review has handed down its punishment to Kossie Pickett and it’s horrible news for the Demons’ 2025 campaign.

Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett has learned his fate for his high shot on Collingwood’s Darcy Moore and it’s bad news for the Demons’ 2025 campaign.

Unless Pickett can beat the suspension at the AFL Tribunal, it will be a case of deja vu for the 23-year-old heading into round 1 next season.

Watch every game of every round this Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

Pickett’s bump on Moore in Friday night’s 15.13 (103) to 8.9 (57) loss to the Pies was assessed as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact, leading to a three-match sanction.

Considering the Demons’ 2024 campaign came to a close with the 46-point defeat, Pickett will be sidelined when next season kicks off.

It is the exact same fate the South Australian faced 12 months ago, handed a one-match ban for a late hit on Patrick Cripps in the 2023 semi-finals that he served to start this season.

Kysaiah Pickett has been suspended once again. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

He was then wiped out again for one match for a bump on Adelaide’s Jake Soligo in round four, Pickett’s third suspension across a 27-game span.

This latest sanction now makes it four bans in just a 44-game stretch.

Back in April, Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin spoke about assisting Pickett to help avoid the type of scenarios that have now struck him once again.

“We’ll continue to work with Kossie, this isn’t the first conversation we’ve had,” Goodwin said.

“He has modified what he does, in and around pressure, and we’ll continue to work on tackling technique and the way to intercept the ball better.

“He’ll continue to improve in that space. We don’t want one of our best players missing games of footy.”

That’s exactly what has unfolded in a repeat of a situation that must bring significant frustration to all involved with the Dees.

Moore had to be subbed out after the contest. Photo: Michael Klein

Barring a successful appeal, the 2021 premiers will have to start their bid to return to the finals in 2025 without one of their most important players for the opening three rounds.

In the aftermath of the high shot, a number of football figures felt Pickett was a strong chance of avoiding suspension.

Late in the second quarter at the MCG, Pickett and Moore were side-by-side chasing a loose ball when the Demon opted to bump the Magpie captain, as you can see in the video player above.

At virtually the same time Pickett made that decision, Moore dropped his body in an effort to grab the footy, leading to a heavy clash that snapped Moore’s head to one side and left him flat out on the turf.

Coach Simon Goodwin with Pickett after the game. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

While areas such as intent and accidental contact can be part of a review, any injury suffered by a player is usually at the top of the list, and Moore had to be subbed out of the game shortly after the collision with concussion.

“I think the AFL will clearly take a look at it,” Fox Footy’s Jon Ralph said.

“(Pickett) would hope to be on Mad Monday or Tuesday rather than defending an MRO charge at the Tribunal.

“He clearly bumps and makes head-high contact with Darcy Moore. I think the question is how much leeway he gets because Moore goes to ground quite late.

“In slo-mo, you think gee he could do something about it. But in real time, I think he goes to ground really quickly and without notice.

“I wonder whether that saves him.”

Pickett will have a delayed start to 2025 barring an appeal. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Fox Footy panel members Jordan Lewis, Nathan Buckley and Jonathan Brown all felt Pickett would escape any punishment this time around, although fans were left deeply divided.

“Moore didn’t keep his feet. Move on,” was one simple assessment on X.

“Lol @RalphyHeraldSun you are delusional… He chose to bump.. hit him high, concussed him.. but hey, blame the bloke playing the ball!!” wrote another.

“Players must now predict when an opponent might duck or slide late into a contest?” queried another.

“Launches himself to his right to go for the bump. An easy 5+ weeks for intentional,” decided another.

A fifth suggested simply: “Don’t duck next time.”

The match review has now been completed and it’s just about the worst possible result for Pickett and the Demons.

Originally published as Kysaiah Pickett learns fate after knocking out Pie skipper Darcy Moore