How risky is Demons $12 million Pickett deal?

Kysaiah Pickett has signed a nine-year $12 million contract to stay at Melbourne.

The whopping deal, until the end of 2034, makes Pickett the longest-contracted player in the AFL.

The Demons confirmed secured the signature of its exciting gamebreaker on Thursday morning.

“I’m really happy and proud to be continuing my career in the red and blue,” Pickett said.

“I love my teammates and my coaches, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together in the years to come. We have shared some special memories over the past few years here, and I’m excited for what we can achieve next.

“The club has shown so much care for me and my family, and I can’t thank them enough for their support. I would also like to thank the Demon fans for all the love.

“I get to live out my childhood dream, playing footy for the oldest club at the MCG, and I’m excited and grateful to be a Demon for life.

“I’m so grateful to have Ardu and Belleny on this journey with me. Everything I do is for my family, and I just want to inspire my little brothers and my nephews too.”

Pickett was already signed until the end of 2027 on a deal worth less than $1 million a season, but has flirted in recent years with the idea of leaving Melbourne.

The forward-midfielder has always loved the Demons, but has never warmed to Melbourne the city and was linked to Port Adelaide in 2022.

But a Pickett move west gained significant momentum last year when he told coach Simon Goodwin he had some interest in a trade to WA.

Pickett, who is close with a handful of players at Fremantle, told them he wanted to play for the Dockers.

But the Demons have moved swiftly, and drastically, to tie the matchwinner to the club long-term.

Pickett, 24, is in clear All-Australian form in 2025 with 21 goals from 10 games.

Garry Lyon had no concerns with the money involved but questioned the length of the contract.

"It does seem long to me," he said on SEN Breakfast. "I’ve got no problems with the money but he’s not (Demons No 1 player) that’s Max.

"With development then you hope he becomes a top 10 player.

"There's an element of risk in it too. That’s what the game is about.

"Kane will probably have a heart attack but nine years does seem a long long time."