Garry Lyon sends message to Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett after AFL ban confirmed

Garry Lyon, the big star of the Melbourne Demons has urged Kysaiah Pickett to control his aggression on the field after the forward was suspended for the third time in 12 months for his punch on Jake Soligo. Pickett made headlines after being suspended for a clash with Carlton captain Patrick Cripps in the AFL Semi-finals last year.

He had already received a two-game suspension earlier this year when he caught Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith. This time, Pickett jumped and hit Soligo with his upper arm. And now Simon Goodwin has urged the forward to limit his aggressive approach to avoid missing so many games.

“This isn’t the first conversation we’ve had (with Pickett),” Goodwin said Wednesday before their matchup. “He’s definitely changed his approach. He’s a high-pressure, high-effort player, and we love what he brings.”

“He’s changed his approach… he’s going to continue to improve in that area. We don’t want one of our best players to miss football games, so we’re going to continue to work with Kozzy. He has a drive to learn, get better and do better, and that’s what we love about him.”

Melbourne challenged his one-match suspension at the AFL Tribunal for allegedly bracing himself for impact. But the Demons were unsuccessful and he will miss the game against the Lions. Despite the challenge, Pickett has received the support of his teammates. And Goodwin backed Pickett to slightly change his approach to avoid subsequent suspensions.

“When you get suspended, you have to look at examples where you can get better,” Goodwin said. “I think what Alan and Christian are saying is we love his intensity, the way he handles the pressure.”

“But can you get better at it? And that’s exactly what we’re doing. You have to learn from your experiences as you go along, and that’s what the best players do.”

Garry Lyon calls for transfer to Kysaiah Pickett

The decision to challenge Pickett’s ban at the AFL Tribunal certainly raised eyebrows among fans. The Demons lost the decision and AFL legend Garry Lyon claimed Pickett would have to adapt, which shouldn’t be difficult.

“What happens now? How does Pickett make the necessary changes,” Lyon told SEN Radio on Wednesday. “Because this is the third suspension he has received for headbutting an opposing player.”

“He just has to try to get it out of his game.” Lyon was confident that the Demons star would be able to eliminate the move from his game.