Melbourne football boss Alan Richardson has commented on a report stating livewire Demon Kysaiah Pickett is more likely than not to be a Docker in 2026, denying the probability of a Pickett move west.
The recent report stated a "homesick" Pickett was "desperate to return to WA", with a deal more likely than not to be brokered by the end of the year.
It comes after multiple trade period rumours have occurred in recent years about Pickett's desire to leave, with reports as early as 2022 suggesting the livewire goalsneak may seek a move to South Australia or WA.
Pickett's contract is not due to end until at least the end of 2027 and the 23-year-old has never officially made a trade request.
Speaking on RSN, Richardson brushed off any concerns surrounding Pickett's future.
"I didn't see the article but I don't know about 'desperate to play for Fremantle'," Richardson said.
"It could be that a Western Australian club might be desperate to get ahold of 'Kozzy'. I don't blame them, he's a terrific player, he's got strong connections in Perth because of his Nana and family.
"But he's really happy here at Melbourne, he and his family love the footy club, he leaves his teammates, and we're really confident he will be with us for a long time."
Richardson also provided an injury update on the Demons' star trio, with recovery progressing well for the injured pair of Max Gawn and Christian Petracca.
"(Gawn) is really close in terms of contact, he hasn't missed a beat really in terms of the load, being able to run, do his footy stuff and avoid contact," Richardson said.
"(Petracca)'s been able to run, and that's a really significant component of this time of year to make sure they're getting all the miles in their legs.
"We don't mind that those boys are missing a bit of the contact given they're so good at it."
Likewise to Pickett, Clayton Oliver too faced the spotlight for trade rumours in consecutive seasons, with a move to Adelaide quashed in 2023, before a move down the highway to Geelong was floated last year.
However, Oliver was held to his lengthy contract ending in 2030 without the Demons considering a plausible deal, as the club reassured Oliver is content to remain a Demon long term.
Richardson noted Oliver has been training at a high standard after his last pre-season was interrupted by off-field controversy and personal leave.
"Clayton Oliver's been really good. He's fit and healthy, he hasn't missed a beat in terms of sessions," he said.
"He's in really good condition, it's quite exciting really.
"'Claz' was not at his best (in 2024), he's been such a consistent elite performer for such a long time and for reasons that we understand wasn't able to get there last year, and I expect him to bounce back really strongly.
"He's had some challenges but he's in a really good space. He continues to work on what works for him and he's going well, he's got a smile on his face."
Ironically, Melbourne travel to WA to take on Fremantle in their pre-season practice match, before facing the Giants at the MCG in Round 1.