Melbourne has vigorously denied rumours young forward Kysaiah Pickett could seek a trade, with the club labelling the idea “crazy”.
Despite rumblings both WA clubs and Port Adelaide are interested in luring Pickett away from Victoria, the Demons said their young talent was happy at the club.
“Any talk about Kozzy leaving is absolutely ludicrous,” Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb said on Monday.
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“We love Kozzy, Kozzy loves us. There’s been no discussion about (a trade).
“All Kozzy talks about is how much he loves this footy club, so we’re a bit baffled about all that (rumours of a trade request).
“(Port Adelaide football manager) Chris Davies answered it really well last week that it’s never even been in consideration. It’s just crazy talk.”
A possible Pickett move was first flagged last month with SEN reporting the Power were “ramping it up” in a bid to secure the forward’s talents.
Ex-Brisbane captain Tom Rockliff, who finished his career at the Power, then stoked the rumour by claiming there was “enough noise” to suggest Pickett might want a trade.
Port Adelaide footy boss Chris Davies is gearing up for a bumper trade period, after news North Melbourne’s prized number one draft pick Jason Horne-Francis wants to head home to South Australia.
It’s been reported by 9 News Port Adelaide want to offer the 19-year-old a $3.2 million deal.
Speaking about Pickett, Davies said he expected the premiership forward to remain at the Demons.
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“We want to leave the trade and draft period with a better list than what we’ve got,” he said.
“We’ve got a great interest in players … especially when they’re of talent like Kozzy.
“But fair to say, if Melbourne don’t want to him to go, he’s contracted, he’s going to stay there.”
Pickett has played 62 AFL games in his three seasons since being snapped up with pick 12 in the 2019 Draft.
