Marlion Pickett will conclude his six-season AFL career following Saturday’s game against Gold Coast at the MCG.

The 32-year-old thanked the people that told him to “stick with it” when he was ready to give up on his AFL dream.

“It’s been a good journey... I did not even think I was ever going to get drafted,” he said.

“To be drafted in black and yellow is an honour and to wear it is even more special.

“My past and the way I grew up is different to everyone else’s and it was not easy to get drafted. I got overlooked for six or seven years and 2019 I was about to quit all my dreams.

“I had some people in my corner, and they told me to stick at it… They told me just to give it another year.

“Five years it felt like 10 years… but the sweat, blood and tears it was a pleasure and doing it with the bunch of guys it was really special.

“I am so proud to be a Richmond Man, and I am going to miss the footy.”

Pickett thanked a spate of Richmond officials and teammates in his retirement speech for their love and support.

“There have been some really special people come through, and it has made my journey a bit easier.

"The sacrifices that we made to come across... it was all worth it.”

Pickett has played 90 games at the top level after Richmond selected him in the 2019 Mid-Season Rookie Draft as a 27-year-old from South Fremantle.

The West Australian famously made his AFL debut in that year’s Grand Final, gathering 22 disposals, kicking a goal, and polling Norm Smith Medal votes as Richmond won the premiership.

Pickett, who had also claimed the Norm Goss Medal just six days prior for best on ground in the Tigers’ 2019 VFL premiership, then backed up his heroics to play 19 of a possible 21 games in 2020.

Having made his debut as an inside midfielder, Pickett found a permanent role in the side as a wingman throughout that campaign and won his second premiership in as many seasons.

Pickett was a mainstay in the AFL team across the next two years, playing on the wing, and finished 7th in the 2022 Jack Dyer Medal as the Tigers qualified for another finals campaign.

The versatile Pickett then played a career-high 21 games in 2023, including at times as an undersized key forward and ruck, highlighting his competitiveness and natural ability.

Pickett did not miss a game for the Tigers across the opening 12 matches this year before a calf injury against Geelong saw him spend time on the sidelines.

Having got through two VFL matches, Pickett will play his first AFL game since the injury this weekend.

The proud Indigenous man who was the designer of Richmond’s 2022 Dreamtime jumper also contributed to the Club’s Korin Gamadji Institute during his time at Richmond, working with Indigenous youth.

Richmond General Manager- Football Talent Blair Hartley congratulated Pickett on his AFL career.

“Marlion arrived at the club mid-way through 2019, along the way, he has made great sacrifices and worked through adversity to carve out his career here at Richmond,” he said.

“He is a team-first individual who always puts others before himself and has played a significant role in multiple positions for the club, standing up in big moments in big games.  Always with minimum fuss and great care for his teammates and the Richmond Football Club. 

“Marlion retires a two-time premiership player, which is a fantastic achievement. His uncompromising approach and hardness around the ball is something he will be remembered for.  

“We would like to wish Marlion all the best with the next phase of his life along with his partner Jess along with Marlion Jnr, Latrell, Shaniqua, and Levi.

“Marlion is a true Richmond Man.”