Demon Kysaiah Pickett’s cheeky goal act divides AFL world

Demons star Kossie Pickett put on a show at the MCG, but one cheeky act seemed to split the AFL world right down the middle.

Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett put on a show at the MCG, but the small forward’s celebration after one goal in particular set the AFL world alight during the Demons’ drought-breaking 10-point win over Fremantle.

The 23-year-old Pickett kicked four first-half goals against Fremantle, with a struggling Demons team taking a 21-point lead into the long break and withstanding a Docker comeback for a desperately needed 16.11 (107) to 14.13 (97) win.

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The man known as Kossie kicked two goals in barely 60 seconds early in the second term, but it was his effort 10 minutes into the third quarter that had tongue’s wagging.

Jack Viney spotted Pickett in a one-on-one contest with young Freo defender Josh Draper in the forward 50m and the diminutive Demon’s eyes lit up.

Watch Pickett’s cheeky move in the video player above

Kysaiah Pickett was flying early at the MCG. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Pickett gave Draper a little push in the back, which many felt could have been a free kick, but was allowed to play on as he took the mark and accelerated away from the defender.

After taking a bounce, the speedster decided to turn back towards his opponent and, with the ball tucked under his right arm, flashed a “peace” symbol with his left hand before slamming the shot between the big sticks for his fifth goal of the game.

“Viney kicks it to Kossie and says ‘you go to work young fella, you go to work’,” Leigh Montagna said calling for Fox Footy.

“You run in, you show a little bit of candy and kick number five.

“Whoa his confidence is sky high. Cheeky Kossie has kicked another one and Melbourne get their 13th.”

But his cheeky move became a huge talking point. Picture: Michael Klein

Gerard Healy added: “A little nudge forward, push in the back for mine but nevertheless umpires are allowing that to go.

“Kossie knows that and cop this.”

Adding to the theatre, of course, is the fact Pickett has been linked with a move to Western Australia to join the Dockers.

Born in South Australia, Kossie was raised in WA and while he is contracted until the end of 2027 with the Dees, he spoke earlier this year of his homesickness and apparent desire to head west.

While Fox Footy’s Jack Riewoldt seemed a little confused about the celebration, he didn’t miss the chance to throw in a sly comment about Pickett’s future.

Pickett was putting on a show for the winless Dees. Picture: Michael Klein

“That could lead to an interesting conversation in about 10 months’ time, the little celebration there from Kossie Pickett,” he said.

“I don’t know what he’s doing there.”

Fans were having a field day over the audacious move, with some stoking the possible Fremantle trade fire.

Sports reporter Eliza Reilly wrote on X: “Fremantle has withdrawn its interest in Kosi Pickett due to the fact he’s currently tearing them a new one at the MCG.”

West Coast fan account Reid All About It quipped: “Kozzie Pickett absolutely turning it on against the Dockers. Can’t wait to see him perform like this against them in next year’s Western Derby.”

Americans Watching The Footy suggested the move meant “See you at training in the summer, Drapes”.

Ben Evans added: “Against his future club!”

Oscar McDonald kicked a goal as the Dockers stayed in the game. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Others weren’t having a bar of it, however, rubbishing an overt act that came from a player on a team that has yet to win a game in 2025.

An account called Andrew declared: “God I hate players that showboat when running into an open goal.”

Vinny Sollozzo wrote: “No need to showboat when u haven’t won a game all season … Can’t wait for the karma bus …”

Dylan 279619 offered: “They’re yet to win a game this season. What a smartass.”

Jrod Dons added: “I honestly don’t understand why players taunt the opposition before the goal is scored or whatever, I don’t like it all, Pickett doesn’t need to be doing that.”

Regardless of your tastes, it was great theatre in a game that ended up with a grand stand finish.

While Fremantle kicked four goals to one in the final term to threaten a comeback victory, a late Harvey Langford major steadied the ship as the Demons grabbed the desperately needed four points.

Originally published as Demon Kysaiah Pickett’s cheeky goal act divides AFL world