Former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas reduced to tears by Kysaiah Pickett’s classy gesture

A former AFL coach was reduced to tears by this teenager’s classy gesture, which also drew praise from Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin.

Kysaiah Pickett's classy gesture against Carlton.

Former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas was reduced to tears by a classy gesture from Melbourne young gun Kysaiah Pickett against Carlton on the weekend.

During the fourth quarter of the round nine clash at the MCG, Pickett attempted a snap from the pocket which sailed between the posts, prompting a thunderous roar from the Melbourne crowd.

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But before the umpires could even make a decision, the 19-year-old quickly indicated that Carlton’s Adam Saad had touched the Sherrin.

“Unusual for the kicking player to give it up,” Channel 7 commentator James Brayshaw said.

"He knew it was touched and he made everyone know pretty quickly that it was touched."

- Simon Goodwin on Kozzy's honesty in front of goal yesterday 🗣

More from Goody 👉 https://t.co/CAk9EmEcbBpic.twitter.com/yFQkABnlMG

— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) May 17, 2021

Pickett’s honest move caught the attention of Thomas, who tweeted on Monday: “Absolutely love it … I actually welled up. Love this type of sincerity and dignity. Hard, tough and relentless in the contest.

“Well done Kozzy.”

Thomas coached the Saints for six seasons in 2001-2006 — he is one of only three coaches to lead the club to three consecutive finals series.

Pickett finished Sunday’s contest with 12 disposals, three tackles, two behinds and a goal as the Demons clinched a 13.16 (94) to 10.8 (68) victory over the Blues.

Kysaiah Pickett of the Demons.

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Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin told reporters after the 26-point win: “That’s the type of kid Kozzy is. He’s an honest kid. He’s a very special player, there’s no doubt about that.

“He knew it was touched, and he made everyone know pretty quickly that it was touched.

“Good honesty from the young fella.”

The Demons have started their 2021 campaign with nine straight wins, a feat the club has not achieved in 57 years.

Incredibly, the three most recent seasons where Melbourne started 9-0 were each Olympic years — 1964, 1960 and 1956 — and they won the premiership on each occasion.

The Demons will next face the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon, with the first bounce scheduled for 4.35pm AEST.

Originally published as Former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas reduced to tears by Kysaiah Pickett’s classy gesture