AFL Draft 2014: Jarrod Pickett unlikely to get to West Coast as midfielder firms as top 10 pick

WEST Australian Jarrod Pickett is related to Leon Davis and Byron Pickett. And he models his game on Chris Yarran and Cyril Rioli. No wonder he’s an excitement machine. WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Nab AFL under 18 Championships at Etihad Stadium, Vic Country v WA. Melbourne. Jarrod Pickett gets a kick away as Jarrod Garlett looks on.2nd July 2014. Picture : Colleen Petch.

WEST Australian young gun Jarrod Pickett believes he can forge a long career at the top level as his stocks continue to soar in the lead up to next week’s national draft.

Pickett, who is firming to be a top-10 pick, is almost certain to be the first player selected from his state when clubs meet at Gold Coast Convention Centre for the draft.

And he is likely to have to pack up his bags and move far from home, despite the West Coast Eagles (pick 11) - the club Pickett has long supported - showing considerable interest in the South Fremantle product.

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“They’ve shown a lot of interest and I think they need a faster player in their team and I think I can bring that to the club, and also a bit of x-factor and a bit of excitement around the field,” Pickett told FoxSports.

“I think my footy career’s going to be a successful one and I’m going to be in the system for many years.”

Pickett is related to former Magpie Leon Davis as well as former North and Port premiership star Byron Pickett.

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But he models his game on one of today’s most exciting speedsters - Carlton’s Chris Yarran.

“He’s definitely someone I try to look out for,” he said.

“Even Cyril Rioli as well, just his pressure around the ball and inside 50 - I want aspire to be a player like that.”

Originally published as AFL Draft 2014: Jarrod Pickett unlikely to get to West Coast as midfielder firms as top 10 pick