“Talent versus output”: Why Cornes wants more from Kozzy Pickett

Kane Cornes has been disappointed by Melbourne’s Kysaiah Pickett in 2024.

While the former No. 12 pick and 2021 premiership player has kicked 30 goals from 18 games in 2024, Cornes believes that the small forward is capable of so much more.

Cornes considers Pickett to be one of the most talented players in the competition, but he feels like his output simply doesn’t match his natural ability.

Pickett has kicked three goals across the past three weeks but has only tallied a combined 22 touches in those three games and Cornes feels he needs to deliver more given what he’s capable of.

“I also wanted to discuss talent versus output,” Cornes told SEN Sportsday.

“This is something that I've sort of been fascinated by for a long time.

“There are players that are not blessed with the level of talent that some other players are, but their output is significant … but then there's the flip side to that, and that’s Kozzy Pickett.

“Is there anyone more talented that delivers less than Kozzy Pickett?”

Cornes used Pickett’s first half in the Round 17 win over West Coast as an example of what he's capable of as he tallied 11 disposals, two goals, four score involvements and one goal assist in just two-quarters of footy.

While he plays a difficult role, Cornes wants to see more impact from the 23-year-old on a more consistent basis.

“He'll suck you in, he'll seduce you every six weeks and he'll kick three or four goals and we’ll go, ‘Wow, have a look at that’,” Cornes said.

“I've seen it, I saw with the Melbourne v West Coast first half - it was as good as you've seen from any individual this year. But how often does that happen?

“I'm watching him run around in the first quarter against the Western Bulldogs when they're under the pump on Friday night, going, ‘Any chance you could touch the ball or lay a tackle Kozzy?’.

“I just think he's far too talented to be delivering what he's delivering right now.”

Pickett and the Demons next face the Power at the MCG on Saturday night.