Richmond star Jack Riewoldt ran across the MCG to confront Melbourne young gun Kysaiah Pickett after he instigated a scuffle during the final quarter of last week’s match.
Pickett pointed to the scoreboard and got in the face of Tigers youngster Rhyan Mansell after kicking a goal in the Demons’ 34-point win.
Speaking on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Tuesday night, veteran Tiger Riewoldt revealed what he said to 19-year-old Pickett.
“He’s probably one of my favourite players to watch play. I just said you’re probably better than that,” Riewoldt said.
“Just enjoy playing footy. But some guys go about it differently.
“For what he is as a player, he’s arguably in the top five most exciting players in the competition at 19 years of age, I just want him to be known for how good of a player he is already and how great he’s going to be because he has got something really special.”
Kozzy let 'em know all about it 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UlHgwZ8exs
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 24, 2021
Former Western Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy “absolutely loved” Pickett's aggression as the Demons announced themselves a premiership contender.
“This is the young upstart, this is a team that is discovering who they are and what they might be, taking on the champs and not being overawed, and getting in their face, and being a little bit cocky, and being a little bit arrogant,” Murphy told SEN’s Bob and Andy.
“That’s going to upset a lot of people, Melbourne have been in the doldrums for a long, long time, they’re trying to change who they are.
“I absolutely loved it.”
Pickett has kicked 11 goals in six games and brings infectious energy and tackling pressure that has given Melbourne’s forward line a new dimension.
The electrifying small forward has been compared to Hawthorn champion and Norm Smith Medallist Cyril Rioli.
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