AFL news 2025: Kysaiah Pickett breaks silence on trade reports linking him to Fremantle

Star Melbourne forward Kysaiah Pickett has spoken following reports he texted Fremantle players he would be in Dockers colours next year. See the full transcript here.

Melbourne forward Kysaiah Pickett has broken his silence about reports he’s pursuing a trade to Fremantle, conceding that he is suffering from homesickness.

Pickett has been at the forefront of headlines over a potential move to the Dockers, fanning the flames after liking a social media post about a possible move.

The Herald Sun revealed that Pickett has been texting his mates who play for Fremantle telling them he will be in Dockers colours next year. The 23-year-old is contracted to the Demons until the end of 2027 and has previously explored his trade options.

Pickett will be a big trade story this season. Picture: Mark Stewart

Asked about the conversations he’d been having with Dockers players, Pickett said that it was normal for him to text friends around the league.

“I’ve got friends,” he said. “I’m allowed to talk to them I guess.

“I’m contracted at Melbourne. I’m having fun there and I love it at the club.”

Pressed on whether he’d like to move to Perth to play for Fremantle, Pickett added: “I’m still contracted at Melbourne.”

Asked whether his text messages specifically outlined a desire to play for Fremantle, Pickett said: “I just text like general friends. I’m pretty close with some of them.”

Pickett did concede that he was suffering from homesickness and he expressed this to Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin at the end of last season.

“Being away in Melbourne, there’s always a bit of homesickness but I’m still contracted and I still have to do my time there,” he said.

“We always have open and honest conversations. To be able to express myself and express my homesickness as a part of that relationship means we’re pretty close.”

Pickett says he has a great relationship with Simon Goodwin. Picture: Getty Images

Melbourne says it has no plans to entertain trade talks about superstar Pickett amid the most impressive pre-season of his career.

“He is going as well as anyone at the footy club and it has just shown everyone how engaged he is,” Goodwin told the Herald Sun. “He is as engaged as I have ever seen.

“So, we love having him at the footy club. He loves the people here and that is really clear, and we want him to play for Melbourne for life.”

Speaking at the Clontarf Foundation ahead of the Indigenous All Stars clash against Fremantle on Saturday, Pickett said it was an honour to represent his people.

“It’s one of the bigger games I look up to, coming and playing in front of my family,” he said. “Being able to showcase myself … I represent all of my family.

“I think that’s the best thing about these camps, giving back to the community and trying to inspire the next generation.”

Pickett’s cousin Isaiah Dudley is also currently training at Fremantle, and on Friday was added to the Dockers’ rookie list as a Supplemental Selection Period pick.

Also an electric small forward, Pickett said that Dudley was enjoying his time at the club.

“I have been speaking to him a bit,” he said. “He’s having fun.

“He missed his opportunity a few years ago and credit to him he’s been working his butt off. If he gets a shot to try to prove himself, he deserves a spot at the top level. He’s made for it.”