There’s no surprise that Kysaiah Pickett has a vested interest in Melbourne’s long-term future after signing a nine-year deal, taking him until the end of 2034.
But Pickett is taking that interest to a whole new level, with Demons national recruiting manager Jason Taylor revealing the superstar is getting involved in the recruiting process, which has included monitoring the progress of his cousin and draft fancy Latrelle Pickett.
“‘Koz’ is nearly part of the recruiting team over the years,” Taylor said on Gettable Draft Countdown.
“He comes in and watches some vision of teammates, mates and friends and relatives. It’s nice to have him in there and feeling comfortable to do that, but he pops his head in a bit.”
Latrelle has emerged as a potential first-round selection in Wednesday night’s AFL Draft after an outstanding season with Glenelg in the SANFL.
Pickett finished the season with a bolt and has most clubs interested in his services as a small forward, thanks to his speed and innate goal sense.
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 11: Latrelle Pickett during the Telstra AFLW State Draft Combine 2km time trial at Bridgestone Athletics Centre on October 11, 2025, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by David Mariuz/AFL Photos)
In 18 SANFL reserves games, he kicked 32 goals and averaged 12 disposals, bringing high-end speed every game and proving electric and creative as a small forward.
“There’s no doubt he’s matured as a person and in his game, having played some under-18 footy at Norwood and then heading back to Lincoln and played some country footy. He’s played some good interleague games back there,” Taylor said.
“He’s a very talented player, as you can see from the highlight reel.
“He’s played at a really strong club in Glenelg, who have had a lot of success in recent times. They’ve got a lot of good, strong senior players, and he had to really earn a spot in that senior team, and that didn’t come until late. That came through some consistent performances, and I felt like his game grew throughout the year. Credit to him, he’s had a pretty good year.”
Latrelle is tipped to be in the draft range of Picks 15 and 25, which, as it stands, is currently out of Melbourne’s purview.
The Demons hold Picks 7 and 8, with their next selection coming at 37, all of which will get shuffled around due to the bids on Academy and father-son prospects.
But the ability to live trade on the night could see the Victorian club unite the Picketts at Melbourne, which could make for an exciting front half under new coach Steven King.
