AFL 2026: Melbourne coach Steven King on Kysaiah Pickett’s absence

Melbourne is certain Kysaiah Pickett will return from his personal absence to face St Kilda this weekend and is open to a flexible training program moving forward.

Pickett flew to Darwin on Tuesday to spend time with his young family but is expected to be back at training on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Saints.

New Melbourne coach Steven King says he is committed to a family-first policy for all staff.

“We were pretty proactive with it, Kozzy needed to get back for family reasons and I fully support any father at our club to make sure they get to support their family,” he said.

“This was a no-brainer for us. Kozzy will be back tomorrow (and) he will do our T2 (main training) and play.

“It’s something I want to provide flexibility for our staff and players, that family is equally or more important than just a game of footy.

“We can make the two co-exist, so we’ll give Kozzy all the time he needs to take care of his family, his daughter and he’ll be fine.

“We’ll work that with him throughout the season progresses but he’ll play.”

Pickett, who re-signed on a long-term deal last season, has been one of the Demons’ standout performers across King’s first pre-season.

The brilliant mid-forward is, in many ways, the key to Melbourne’s potential success this season.

But King is open to Pickett visiting the Top End whenever he needs and is willing to create an accommodating training program.

“He’s done all the sessions with us, I think moving forward we’ll set up an opportunity if there is a requirement to go back throughout the season,” he said.

“It’ll be structured with the facilities they’ve got up there, the Michael Long Centre, and I know Michael McLean is up there.

“A lot of us at the club here and Kozzy have a lot of contacts in the Northern Territory so if he does have to go back once a month or so, we’ll make sure he ticks off what he needs to from a physical stand point.

“Obviously as well, he doesn’t miss out from an education point of view what we need to keep growing in our game.”