Pickett shining light in Tigers loss

Former Manjimup junior footballer Marlion Pickett put together yet another impressive performance in the Richmond Tigers’ 34-point loss to the Demons on Saturday. Pickett had a season-high 21 disposals, just one short of his career-high, as well as a career-high 13 handballs to go with eight kicks, five tackles and a hit-out in their round six outing at the MCG. The 29-year-old has been used in a variety of roles by coach Damian Hardwick this season, spending time in the back line, on the wing, in the midfield and most recently pinch-hitting in the ruck. Although Richmond were soundly beaten by the still undefeated Demons, Pickett was one of a few Tigers players who were able to find the football on Saturday night, with only six of his teammates recording more disposals. The Tigers’ loss to Melbourne was their third for the season and they are now set to face the also undefeated Western Bulldogs on Friday. Richmond could be at risk of dropping out of the top eight this round if they are unable to break the Bulldogs’ hot streak. The Tigers sit seventh on the ladder and are equal on points with Brisbane, Adelaide and West Coast below them.