Marlion Pickett says there’s no expectations ahead of his Melton South debut

Richmond premiership ace Marlion Pickett says there’s no expectations ahead of his Melton South debut. Here’s what he hopes to bring to the Panthers.

Melton South coach Travis Hodgson and Marlion Pickett.

Marlion Pickett has achieved the ultimate success at the highest level.

Now he wants to bring that feeling to Riddell District club Melton South.

The two-time Richmond AFL premiership-winner makes his much-anticipated Panthers debut against Romsey at Melton Reserve on Saturday.

Alongside Brendan Fevola and Sean Denham, he’s certainly one of the biggest names to ever pull on the navy blue and white.

South hopes he can draw a big crowd for what could be a season-defining clash.

Having not won in 40 matches, the club claimed a drought-breaking win in Round 2, defeating neighbouring rivals Melton Centrals, and made it back-to-back victories against expansion club Gisborne Giants.

Coming off a bye, the Panthers are looking to make it three on the trot and cement their finals credentials.

Pickett hopes to be singing the song regularly – as long as he can avoid the gatorade shower.

“I’m looking forward to it, it’s been a bit since I played a proper game of footy,” Pickett said.

“Even though I played on the weekend but I’m looking forward to running out with the boys at Melton.

“They’ve been good, I’ve played a (pre-season) scratch match with them.

“That was a good hitout and a good win and hopefully we can get a couple more on the board.

“I hope (we win), as long as I’m not standing in the middle (of the circle) I’ll be happy.”

Having made his name as a midfielder, roaming the wings of the MCG, Pickett is willing to do what ever coach Travis Hodgson requires of him.

He’s been named in the guts but there’s no pretention.

Marlion Pickett in action for Tiwi Bombers in the NTFL. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“Wherever the team needs me, I guess,” he said.

“That’s the good thing, I can play a few different positions, so wherever the coach needs me.

“There’s no expectations, just have fun and help the young guys.

“I played at the highest level but now it’s just about helping the next generation.”

It was a friendship with Hodgson that brought Pickett to Melton South.

The pair are family friends, while coincidently, fellow Panthers recruit Sam Darley was also a teammate of the recently retired Tiger at NTFL club Tiwi Bombers.

“I’ve known Trav for a couple of years,” he said.

“After I retired I went to play in Darwin and was in conversations to play with (Melton South) and one of the boys from Tiwi, Sam Darley, signed there too.

“Having played with Sam already, I’m looking forward to playing under Trav for the first time and alongside Sam again.

“It’s a good family club and they’ve been really welcoming to my kids, so if anyone is looking for a club Melton’s not too far away.”

Pickett’s debut was delayed due to a three-match suspension earned while playing in the Northern Territory.

After coming two bans in as many appearances, he might have to dial back his hard-hitting style at the local level.

Having served his penalty and with South on a bye, he made a one-off appearance for Mininera District league club Great Western.

He helped Lions claimed a 69-point win over Moyston-Willaura.

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Pickett said the game helped him prepare for his first Panthers appearance.

“It was just to blow out the cobwebs, I got suspended, so needed to sharpen up my skills,” he said.

“I’ve heard Romsey is a good side so I just wanted to get on the front foot.”

Melton South hosts Romsey at Melton Reserve with the senior match kicking off at 2.15pm.