Melbourne livewire Kysaiah Pickett has inked a new four-year deal with the Dees.
Pickett will remain a Demon until at least the end of the 2027 AFL season after 67 games since his 2020 debut in one of the more exciting starts to a career going around in the competition.
The 21-year-old has already been a contributor to Melbourne's campaign as a premiership contender in 2023, kicking 12 goals from five games to start the year - including a three-goal return in the Dees' 90-point win over North Melbourne on Saturday.
Kozzy from 50 😤#AFLDeesNorth pic.twitter.com/7OZ2iUrEDF
— AFL (@AFL) April 29, 2023
Kozzy helped his side lift the premiership trophy over the western Bulldogs in 2021.
"At just 21 years old, he has already proven himself to be one of the premier small forwards in the competition, kicking 40 goals in each of the last two years. Everyone has now seen his ability around the ball, and he is just scratching the surface in terms of where he can take his game," Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb said on Monday.
"Kozzy's ability to hit the scoreboard, combined with his genuine appetite to chase and tackle, makes him an invaluable asset to our team. His rapid development is a testament to his hard work and the terrific environment and culture we have here at Melbourne.
Lamb said Pickett is a "universally loved" figure within the club and was "rapt" to have the deal with the young star sorted early in the season.
A South Australian, Pickett said the extension to stay in red and blue is an exciting one.
"The club has embraced me and my family, and I can't thank them enough for their support. Everything I do is to make my family proud and the respect and understanding my teammates and coaches have shown us means a lot," he said.
"Giving back to my community and putting smiles on kids' faces makes me happy. I was once that little kid and it's special for me to now be giving back and doing what I love, surrounded by people I love.'
Pickett has kicked 100 goals for the Demons since being taken with the 12th pick in the 2019 National Draft.
