Andrew Krakouer says Richmond is the perfect place for Marlion Pickett to flourish.
The Tigers selected Pickett in Monday’s mid-season draft despite him having spent more than two years in jail for various offences.
Pickett, 27, has been in elite form in the WAFL for South Fremantle over the past few years, and according to Krakouer, is now in the right environment to succeed at the highest level, just as overlooked youngster Sydney Stack has done with the yellow and black this season.
Former Richmond and Collingwood small forward Krakouer is well-versed to make comment after enduring a stint behind bars during his AFL career.
“Because of Sydney and now Marlion, they’re (Richmond) doing the best job at the moment because they’ve got two players who haven’t had the best lead-up and preparation,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“Footy clubs do their homework. They understand dynamics around players.
“Marlion’s been drafted and he’s not going to play for 10 weeks (with a finger injury), so for Richmond to be able to do that, they’ve got great systems in place.
“It’s credit to them to understand that yes, these guys do have a few issues but we are going to back ourselves and the people we have around this footy club to help them on this journey and get them in the right state of mind.
“It’s a great story with Marlion. He’s not so young, he’s 27, so for him to be able to be on an AFL list from his journey… for him to be able to now get the opportunity is just an absolutely amazing story of resilience, persistence, determination and self-belief.
🎥 Former Collingwood forward Andrew Krakouer discussed how Richmond draftee Marlion Pickett overcame his troubled past on @SENBreakfast this morning.
— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) May 29, 2019
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“You don’t really see too much of a future when you’re in jail. You’re not quite sure what the future holds so for him to have that dream and that drive is absolutely amazing and its a credit to him to get this opportunity.”
Krakouer added: “With Aboriginal people, if someone gives you an opportunity, all you want to do is repay the faith.
“Just to make them feel welcome and to bring them in. I’ve no doubt Sydney feels that and with Marlion as well, once he feels at home and he feels like he belongs, he’s going to be playing some great footy for them.”
Pickett, who is currently sidelined with a broken finger, will move in with Tigers superstar Dustin Martin as he continues to chase his AFL dream.
Listen to Krakouer's chat with Garry and Tim below: