Melbourne forward Kysaiah Pickett has set personal parameters to reap reward from effort as his side builds toward a deep September campaign.

Following a lean period through the middle portion of the season, Pickett returned to form with a three-goal effort against Brisbane at the MCG on Friday.

Within major momentum shifts on Friday, the Dees shot out of the blocks early before the visitors regathered to boot 12 goals to six through the second and third terms.

The Lions looked to have shored up a rare win at the 'G with the first goal in the last, before Melbourne stormed back to snatch a one-point win - with a controversial call robbing Eric Hiphood of a shot on goal after-the-siren, at least as far Lions fans are concerned.

Pickett's third major set the tone for a Melbourne comeback, keeping his feet in a marking contest against Keidean Coleman before beating a second defender at the loose ball to stroll into a kick from 30 metres.

That's outstanding from Pickett!#AFLDeesLions pic.twitter.com/s7sJuXSN9h

— AFL (@AFL) July 14, 2023

The final four goals of the game came via the Dees to clinch a nailbiter, and maintain a two-win buffer on fifth-placed Essendon.

With the exception of a 2-goal effort against the Cats in round 15, Kozzie had struggled to get his hands on the footy and impact on the scoreboard since round 12.

After the match, the 22-year-old told National Indigenous Times his focus had been to impact the contest as a small forward.

"It's just (about) building beyond my role," Pickett said.

"I'm just happy I was able to play my role again, kick a few goals and get rewarded for the hard work I put in throughout the week."

Again settled in the top four, Pickett said the Dees are taking a positive approach into the final rounds.

Collingwood and 2023 bolters Port Adelaide are widely fancied as flag frontrunners, with Brisbane and Melbourne still heralded as every chance.

The Lions' MCG voodoo continued on Friday night, further casting doubts over their ability to sink serious contenders on the ground come big finals.

"We don't really worry about other teams. We're just worried about building our culture, building our football and just getting better each and every game…having fun and being happy," Pickett said.