BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 28: Kysaiah Pickett of the Demons takes a mark during the round 16 AFL match between Brisbane Lions and Melbourne Demons at The Gabba, on June 28, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The AFL Tribunal has upheld Kysaiah Pickett of Melbourne’s three-game punishment for rough conduct.
When the Melbourne forward’s bump on Collingwood’s Darcy Moore during Round 24 was deemed to be careless conduct, severe impact, and high contact, the Demons and Pickett disputed the MRO’s allegation on Tuesday night.
Under the guidance of Adrian Anderson, Pickett entered a not guilty plea to the charge, arguing that he contested the ball reasonably in the manner that he did, that the high contact was the result of uncontrollable circumstances, and that there was no way to know that the act would cause injury at the time of the decision to bump.
Pickett provided a statement but refrained from testifying during the hearing.
“First of all, I hope Darcy Moore is okay and I’m sorry about his injury,” the statement said.
“I was sprinting in the direction of the ball after it had split during a game. By moving Darcy off the line and winning the ball in front of me, I hoped to preserve space. I’ve typically contested the ball and made a play with it in past games in this manner.
“Darcy went to ground quite quickly in a way I did not expect, and I went overh im.”
Although they had the option to request a longer punishment, the AFL chose not to pursue an extension in the ban beyond three matches.
In the hearing, Anderson pointed out that Pickett stays as low as possible while deciding to bump Moore, never giving up.
The AFL claimed that Pickett did not challenge for the ball and that his method of contesting for it was irrational. AFL Counsel Sally Flynn stated that since Moore was going to seize the ball, Pickett had the option to tackle rather than tuck his arm and lean with his shoulder. Pickett may have also bowed down to attempt to gather possession.
