Richmond cult hero Marlion Pickett has announced his retirement after 90 senior games across six seasons and one of the most unique careers in modern memory.
The 32-year-old, who famously debuted in the 2019 grand final - the first player to do so in almost 70 years - will hang up the boots following an MCG farewell in the Tigers' final match of the season against the Gold Coast at the MCG on Saturday.
"It's been a good journey... I did not even think I was ever going to get drafted," Pickett said in a club statement.
"To be drafted in black and yellow is an honour and to wear it is even more special."
Pickett arrived at Punt Road as a mid-season Rookie Draft pick from WAFL club South Fremantle in his debut year, earning a spot in the Tigers' eventual premiership side after a best-on-ground performance in the VFL grand final a week prior.
He collected 22 touches and kicked an iconic goal as the Tigers ran over GWS, with Pickettt finishing third in the Norm Smith voting.
A second premiership medal came after Richmond's 2020 triumph over Geelong the following year.
"My past and the way I grew up is different to everyone else's and it was not easy to get drafted. I got overlooked for six or seven years and 2019 I was about to quit all my dreams," Pickett said.
"I had some people in my corner, and they told me to stick at it… They told me just to give it another year.
"Five years it felt like 10 years… but the sweat, blood and tears it was a pleasure and doing it with the bunch of guys it was really special.
"I am so proud to be a Richmond Man, and I am going to miss the footy."
Pickett played a career-high 21 AFL games in 2023 and became a mainstay in the senior side early on before an injury interrupted campaign this year.
Richmond general manager of football talent, Blair Hartley labelled Pickett a "true Richmond man".
"Marlion arrived at the club mid-way through 2019, along the way, he has made great sacrifices and worked through adversity to carve out his career here at Richmond," Hartley said.
"He is a team-first individual who always puts others before himself and has played a significant role in multiple positions for the club, standing up in big moments in big games. Always with minimum fuss and great care for his teammates and the Richmond Football Club.
"Marlion retires a two-time premiership player, which is a fantastic achievement. His uncompromising approach and hardness around the ball is something he will be remembered for.
"We would like to wish Marlion all the best with the next phase of his life along with his partner Jess along with Marlion Jnr, Latrell, Shaniqua, and Levi."
Prior to teams being announced, Richmond said Pickett will play against the Suns on Saturday afternoon.
