At just 24 years of age, Kysaiah Pickett—also known as “Kozzy”—has put pen to paper on a record-breaking seven-year contract extension with the Melbourne Demons, keeping the livewire forward at the club until the end of the 2034 season. The deal, reported to be worth $12 million, marks Kysaiah Pickett as the longest-contracted player in AFL—a headline-making move that will reverberate across the competition.
A Long-Term Bet: Key Details of the Deal
Livewire signs one of the biggest deals ever in ‘major moment’ for Demons
Prior to the extension, Pickett’s contract was scheduled to run until the end of 2027. This new agreement:
- Extends his commitment through 2034, meaning he’ll turn 33 during the final year .
- Is valued at approximately $12 million, averaging over $1.4 million per season .
- Surpasses Fremantle’s Hayden Young—locked in until 2033—and matches Mac Andrew’s earning potential .
- Establishes Pickett, Oliver, and Petracca as the core pillars of Melbourne’s future success .
The Talent Behind the Deal
Drafted at pick No. 12 in 2019 from South Australia, Pickett blazed onto the scene in 2020, earning a Rising Star nomination. In 2021, he became a premiership player and continued to impress with 182 goals from 116 games .
This season, Pickett has maintained elite form, scoring 21 goals in 10 games and delivering a highlight performance with five goals against Fremantle—a game that helped lift Melbourne from a 0-5 start . His recent performance in the King’s Birthday match against Collingwood further emphasized his importance to the club .
Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb praised Pickett as “one of the most dynamic players in the game” and expressed confidence that Pickett’s best football lies ahead .
Staying Through the Speculation
Pickett had been linked with a return to Western Australia, owing to family ties and homesickness since his move to Melbourne . His closeness with Fremantle’s Luke Jackson—his 2021 premiership teammate—further fueled speculation . But Pickett’s new extension dashes any return to WA, reinforcing his commitment to life as a Demon .
Speaking after signing, Pickett expressed heartfelt gratitude: “I’m really happy and proud … to continue my career in the red and blue… Everything I do is for my family… I want to inspire my little brothers and my nephews too” .
The Biggest Deal in AFL
At $12 million over seven years, Pickett eclipses the previous mark set by Hayden Young (six years until 2033) and matches the long-term trajectory of Gold Coast’s Mac Andrew, who will earn into 2034 if performance targets are met .
Fox Sports described the extension as “one of the biggest deals ever in AFL,” and heralded the Demons’ swift maneuvering to retain their dynamic forward.
Implications for Melbourne and the AFL
Strategic Continuity
Locking in a young star ensures stability and strategic planning. Pickett joins Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca in committing long-term—signaling Melbourne’s ambition to remain a powerhouse .
Risk vs Reward
Some voices, like SEN’s Garry Lyon, cautioned on the deal’s unusual length—pointing out the inherent risk of peak performance declining over nine years. However, Lamb expressed unwavering belief in Pickett’s sustained impact .
Market Standard Reset
Pickett’s extension resets expectations for elite young players. His contract will be a benchmark for future negotiations involving top-tier talent.
Wider AFL Contract Context
- Hayden Young (Dockers) – six years until 2033 .
- Mac Andrew (Gold Coast) – initial five years plus potential extension to 2034 .
- Pickett – seven years to 2034, averaging over $1.4 million annually, surpassing many top players .
Future Outlook for Pickett and the Demons
Consistent Elite Performance
To justify the investment, Pickett must maintain—or exceed—his current output. Already leading team goal counts, he is in line for his first All‑Australian selection .
Leadership and Culture
Now one of Melbourne’s longest-serving players, Pickett will likely be central to the club’s leadership group, guiding newer talent and shaping team culture.
Family and Wellbeing
The contract’s length provides emotional security—assisting Pickett in managing homesickness and family challenges that previously threatened his stay .
Takeaway: A Bold Move Sets the Tone
Kysaiah Pickett’s staggering commitment to 2034 in a $12 million deal is a defining moment in AFL history. It highlights:
- Melbourne’s bold strategic planning: aligning long-term goals with elite talent retention.
- Pickett’s rising stock: his performances are among the league’s best, offering real return on investment.
- A recalibrated contract market: raising the bar for future elite player deals.
While the length does carry risk, Melbourne believes in the talent and upside. For fans and rivals alike, Pickett signing this deal means Melbourne are serious contenders—for multiple seasons to come.
