Marlion Pickett has put pen to paper and has signed on with the Tigers for 2023, which will only elevate their midfield.
The two-time premiership player has been in form over the last year and has earned his new contract for next season.
The wingman has been vital for Richmond this year across 17 games. With more games under his belt, Pickett will only continue to add to his stunning career path.
He racked up a career-high 25 disposals against West Coast in Round 16 of this year, and Tiger fans can only expect more games like this in the coming season. After being picked up in the 2019 Mid-Season Draft, the 30-year-old's game has only been refined.
A one-game wonder saw him pick up a premiership medal on debut, and be a part of back-to-back premierships in the black and yellow across 2019 and 2020.
Pickett's merit doesn't stop there. He has been a valuable leader for the Indigenous players at the football club, and is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth ambassador through Richmond's Korin Gamadji Institute.
Richmond General Manager, Blair Hartley, spoke to the Tigers Media and said Pickett has rightfully earned his contract extension.
“We are delighted that Marlion will enter his fifth season at the Club, which is a great reward for the hard work he has put in over a number of years,” he said.
“Marlion’s skill set helps us to play how we want to play, and his form this season has reflected his importance.
“We look forward to seeing what Marlion can continue to achieve individually and as a part of our team going forward.”
It has been great to see the Mid-Season Draft provide individuals with opportunities to enter the AFL, with Pickett proving to be a valuable asset to his team on and off the field.
Pickett will likely be at Richmond longer than 2023 if he can continue his good form.