Marlion Pickett gave Richmond supporters a little taste of what he is capable of last weekend.
In his first VFL outing for the Tigers, the mature-aged mid-season recruit picked up 20 disposals and kicked a goal in the victory over the Casey Demons and immediately looked at home in yellow and black.
Pickett, 27, has been sidelined with a broken finger sustained while playing in the WAFL for South Fremantle but is working his way into form for a possible AFL debut.
Richmond defender Dylan Grimes spoke of Pickett’s impact while giving some insight into the type of player he is.
“We’ve only seen him play just the one game but geez, he was impressive,” Grimes told SEN’s Bob and Andy.
“He only played 70%, he’s coming back from his finger injury.
“He hasn’t played much footy at all this year but what he’s showed is pretty incredible.
“I’m trying to liken him to someone and I guess the closest player that would come to mind is that Andrew McLeod type. Dashing half-back/wing, a versatile attacking player.
“He’s got a real hard edge about him as well which is almost the best of both worlds. Could be inside, could be outside but from what we’ve seen, he’s pretty special.
“He’s had a really tough few weeks of transition, coming from where he was in WA to here, and his family with his young kids that are over there who he’s missing dearly, and a family tragedy as well.
“So for him to come out and play his first game, play really well and get through injury free was really exciting for sure.”
Asked if we could see Pickett in the Richmond senior side soon, Grimes added: “I don’t know but I’m bloody hopeful because he’s pretty exciting.
“What he brings is something else. People will really enjoy watching him. He’s a silky player but with that hard edge, it’s exciting to watch.
“He’s sort of like what we brought in with ‘Stacky’ (Sydney Stack). Bit of an unknown, has terrific skills and a hard edge.
“I’m hopeful to see him out there. I wouldn’t be surprised either way.”
Pickett will be in action in the VFL when the top-of-the-table Tigers take on the Northern Blues at the MCG on Sunday from 11:50am AEST.
Listen to Grimes’ chat with Bob and Andy below: