Melbourne reportedly have a young Fremantle forward on their radar as they plan to satisfy and re-sign off-contract star Kysaiah Pickett
Pickett's contract is set to expire at the cessation of this season, with the Demons bracing for a wave of rival interest across the year from interstate clubs.
The 21-year-old grew up in Western Australia before flocking to South Australia to further hone his talents before being drafted out of the Woodville-West Torrens in 2019.
Pickett has quickly emerged as one of the most talented small forwards in the competition, having booted 81 goals across the past two seasons alone.
His ability in front of goal, coupled with his pressure in the forward third of the field, is sure to have WA and SA clubs circling his services should he remain unsigned for next season come the latter stages of the year.
The Demons are reportedly in no rush to ramp up contract talks with the 171cm forward despite expected interest from Port Adelaide.
According toย The Herald Sun,ย Fremantle are also tipped to have Pickett in mind for their off-season planning, however it could be a Dockers forward that ends up swapping clubs amid the rumours surrounding Pickett's future.
The publication's report suggests the Demons could place some attention toward a move for Dockers forward Liam Henry, a close friend of Pickett's.
After losing Toby Bedford to GWS last year, Melbourne may see Henry as a viable option to add to their forward stocks in a bid to not only bolster their attack, but help keep Pickett in the red and blue.
Both Henry and Pickett were taken at Picks 9 and 12 respectively in the 2019 National Draft, however the pair have faced differing experiences to start their careers.
Henry has struggled to cement his place in Fremantle's forward line across his three seasons in purple, playing 27 games.
With Henry's contract coming to an end this year, the 21-year-old could consider a move elsewhere for 2024, withย The Herald Sunย going as far to suggest the young Docker is likely to land at a Victorian club from next year.
Both Fremantle and Port Adelaide may struggle to secure enough draft capital to secure a trade for Pickett, having parted with their 2023 first-round draft picks in the off-season.
Melbourne, however, have two first-round selections for this year's count, including Fremantle's early selection, after trading Luke Jackson to the Dockers last year.
