Marlion Pickett To Make AFL Debut On Grand Final Day For Richmond
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has pulled a sensational grand final selection move, with mature-aged mid-season recruit Marlion Pickett to make his AFL debut in the premiership decider against GWS.
The Tigers confirmed on Thursday afternoon that Pickett, 27, originally from WA, would come into the line-up to replace Jack Graham, who was ruled out on Tuesday with a dislocated shoulder.
It is understood Richmond will make just one change to their preliminary final side when the official teams are named on Thursday evening after defender Nathan Broad was cleared of concussion symptoms.
He arrived at Punt Road midway through the year as a rookie, and since a finger injury has made impressive strides through the VFL to earn his grand final appearance.
He will subsequently become the first player since Collingwood's Keith Batchelor in 1952 to make his senior debut in a Grand Final.
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The selection marks a huge milestone for Pickett, who spent time in jail in his teens, and started this season in the WAFL playing for South Fremantle.
More to come.
WITH APP