SEN’s Chief Sports Reporter Sam Edmund doesn’t think Port Adelaide will be successful in its pursuit of Kysaiah Pickett.
Edmund broke the news earlier this week that Port was exploring the possibility of trading for Pickett over the upcoming trade period.
SEN SA’s Michelangelo Rucci has since reported the Power are running a “legitimate campaign” that is only growing to secure the talented Demon.
Given Pickett has a year to run on his contract, Rucci wasn’t confident Port would lure Pickett this season, an opinion Edmund shares.
“Port are trying, absolutely trying,” Edmund said on SEN's The Picks.
“I think he’ll stay at Melbourne (though), I think, that’s where the odds say he will be in because he’s contracted for one more year and I can't in any way, shape or form see Melbourne wanting him to go and sanctioning a trade.
“But that’s not to say that Port have been keen on him forever, but they’re really knocking on the door at the moment. They’ve got Robbie Gray who’s retired, Orazio Fantastia can’t get out there, they bring Junior Rioli, imagine if they could get Kozzie.”
Pickett could prove an able replacement for Gray having booted 41 goals in 23 games this year, including a blistering six-goal game against the Power in Alice Springs this year.
But given Melbourne is already losing Luke Jackson, it appears unlikely the club would give up Pickett after struggling forward of the ball for much of 2022.
“I think it would take something significant, Kozzie would have to put in a trade request and at this stage, that is not happening,” Edmund continued.
“(He) loves the Demons, doesn’t love Melbourne the city, but loves the Demons.
“Maybe one to watch in 12 months’ time.”
Port Adelaide currently holds pick 8 in the upcming National Draft, but doesn’t have another pick as it stands until 53.
The club is expected to land a second-round compensation pick for departing free agent Karl Amon, however that could be used in a trade for contracted Eagle Rioli, who has requested a trade to Alberton.