Melbourne match-winner Kysaiah Pickett insists he is loving his time at the Demons and his focus is only on making the finals – and not his future – after revealing a mindset change had helped his team to a breakthrough victory over Fremantle on Saturday.
Winless after five rounds, the Demons, after a week of intense scrutiny by club officials and supporters, and questions about coach Simon Goodwin’s future, had their best performance of the season, booting 16 goals in a 10-point win before 25,202 supporters at the MCG.
Simon Goodwin and Kysaiah Pickett embrace after the Demons’ drought-breaking win.Credit: AFL Photos
Having averaged just 51 points per game over the previous fortnight, the Demons passed that total midway through the second term, and had equalled their season-high tally of 74 points by half-time.
Pickett, who booted a game-high five goals and was also dominant further afield (475 metres gained), said the players had bought into a sharpened defensive mindset Goodwin had demanded through the week.
“We focused on defence this week and that helped us get across the line. That was the main focus this week. We had fun with it as well,” Pickett told this masthead.
“It’s a mindset thing. We got after them, and made it as hard as we could possibly make it for them. We just wanted to get the ball back as fast as possible.”
High five: Pickett insists his focus is only on the Demons and not a potential move home to WA at the end of the season.Credit: Getty Images
The Demons made a statement at selection when they axed key forward duo Bayley Fritsch and Jacob van Rooyen. Pickett and utility Harrison Petty (four goals) responded, while skipper Max Gawn, vice-captain Jack Viney (through his tag on Caleb Serong and ability to win his own ball), Trent Rivers and composed half-back Jake Bowey were also central to the win.
Pickett said the Demons had not fractured through a tough week.
“I am just loving my time at the Dees. I had fun today, as you have seen. We got the win, and that’s what matters,” he said.
“I am signed at the Dees. That’s what matters.”
Game-plan change: Goodwin and skipper Max Gawn (left) have implemented a more attacking game style, one that culminated with 16 goals against Fremantle on Saturday.Credit: AFL Photos
Club president Brad Green has said the Demons will seek a whopping three first-round draft selections in exchange for Pickett, should he try and force a trade.
Pickett said it was the Demons’ right to seek heavy recompense.
“Of course it is, of course it is,” he said.
He wouldn’t buy into speculation he will potentially seek a trade.
“I am just enjoying my year here,” he said.
The Demons made a statement early on Saturday, slotting six first-quarter goals – their best term of the season. Their ability to move the ball fluently and with purpose with shorter kicks, rather than bombing away, even drew a standing ovation from the MCC faithful.
Goodwin spoke through the week of his men needing to embrace a better defensive philosophy when they didn’t have the ball. For the most part, the Demons delivered on that, winning overall clearances, centre clearances, and contested and uncontested ball. They won the tackle count 59-46.
“Clearly, people will talk about the scoring side of it, which is one element, but it’s more what we did without the ball today,” Goodwin said.
“I thought our pressure, our tackling, our ability to lock the ball in, I thought our forwards competed incredibly well and our backs – a little bit undermanned in terms of personnel and height – stood up for us. I thought it was a great team performance.”
Club president Brad Green publicly called for a reprisal of the attacking flair seen in the third term against Essendon last week. His wish was also delivered.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has been publicly floated as a possible successor to Goodwin, should the Demons opt to move on from their premiership coach. Beveridge shut that suggestion down this week, and Goodwin – contracted through until the end of 2026 – says he doesn’t intend to go anywhere.
“One thing I am really strong with the players is… to block out noise,” he said.
“I feel incredibly well-supported by the president and the board, and where I sit in my role in the footy club. My job is to coach the club, coach the team, and coach our players to be the best they possibly can, and to value what’s really important.
“We have been in the midst of some change, from a personnel perspective, and also the way we are playing. I believe I have the credentials and the standing in the game to best lead this footy club forward.”
Goodwin said injured defender Steven May (groin) ran on Saturday but will need to prove his fitness if he is return for the Anzac Day eve clash against Richmond on Thursday night.
