Richmond premiership hero Marlion Pickett has already made a call on his 2025 playing prospects after announcing his AFL retirement, joining the Tiwi Islands Football Club in the Northern Territory Football League.
Pickett, 32, called time on his AFL career just over a week ago, following a unique 91-game career at Richmond starting at the end of 2019, where he made his debut on the biggest day on the AFL calendar and took home a premiership medallion.
He would become an integral part of Richmond's side over the next five seasons, winning another flag in 2020 and patrolling the wing of Richmond's side until the end of the 2024 home & away season.
He now joins the Tiwi Bombers, the club renowned as the first all-Aboriginal side to play in a major Aussie-Rules competition, the NTFL.
The club is situated in Darwin and plays home matches on the Tiwi Oval.
The club announced their addition via Instagram, also welcoming Pickett's partner, Jess Nannup to play for the club's women's side.
"Tiwi Bombers are excited to announce Richmond Premiership Hero Marlion Pickett will join the club this season," the club shared in a post.
"Marlion's football journey is an amazing story of persistence where he made his AFL debut in the 2019 AFL Grand Final at age 27."
"We are fortunate to also welcome his partner Jess Nannup who is a star footballer in her own right and will play for our Women's Premier League team."
"Jess won the Best & Fairest for Moonee Valley when she played under Women's Coach Dean Rioli in Melbourne."
"We welcome Marlion and Jess and their beautiful children Marlion Jnr, Latrell, Shaniquae and Levi into our Tiwi Community."