Overview
- Coach Steven King said Pickett will return to training this week and play St Kilda on Sunday after several days in Darwin for a personal matter.
- Garry Lyon relayed a club statement reporting a relationship breakdown with partner Ardu Cubillo, with whom Pickett shares a young daughter.
- Pickett missed some in-person sessions but completed programs remotely and is expected to rejoin the group for key preparations before Round 1.
- Melbourne will accommodate periodic trips to the Northern Territory if required, with support that could include use of the Michael Long Centre and NT contacts such as Michael McLean.
- The All-Australian forward is locked in through 2034 on a seven-year extension, as cousin Latrelle Pickett pushes for a Round 1 debut after a standout pre-season.