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Dynamic forward Kysaiah Pickett has returned to Darwin this week to deal with a relationship split and has missed several training sessions ahead of Melbourne’s round one clash.
The club confirmed that Pickett left for the Top End on Tuesday with the Demons’ blessings and is expected back on Thursday.
Kysaiah Pickett during a practice match against North Melbourne last month.Credit: AFL Photos
Melbourne tackle St Kilda at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.
Demons great Garry Lyon reported Pickett’s absence on SEN on Wednesday morning.
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Lyon said the 24-year-old Pickett had been training on his own to make up for the missed sessions, after his partner relocated to Darwin.
Pickett and partner Ardu Cubillo have a daughter Belleny, who was born in April 2024.
The Age reported that Pickett signed a seven-year contract extension in June which will take him through until the end of 2034 at a cost of $12 million.
Lyon said he was told Pickett supported his partner’s move back to Darwin to be with her family.
He said he understood the club was going to be flexible so that Pickett could stay connected with his daughter.
New Melbourne coach Steven King was to speak the media on Wednesday morning at Casey Fields ahead of the Demons’ training session.
The Demons head into this season without midfield stars Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver who relocated to Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney during the off-season.
More to come
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