Imagine having not one, but two Picketts dominating the field—it’s a dream come true for Melbourne fans, and that’s exactly what happened as the Dees delivered a stunning 80-point victory over North Melbourne in a match simulation at Casey Fields. The final score? 19.15 (129) to 7.7 (49). But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this the start of a new era for Melbourne, or just a one-off performance? Let’s dive in.
Kozzy Pickett and his cousin, the newly introduced Latrelle Pickett, were unstoppable, showcasing blistering speed and precision that left the Roos scrambling. Kozzy, the senior of the duo, was the standout performer, kicking five goals across four quarters while seamlessly transitioning between midfield and forward roles. His chemistry with Latrelle was on full display in the third quarter, where they combined for a goal that had fans on their feet. And this is the part most people miss—Latrelle’s five-bounce run through the middle, capped off with a perfect chip pass to Jacob van Rooyen, hinted at a future star in the making.
Under new coach Steven King, Melbourne’s first official hitout was a masterclass in pace and urgency. Bold statement alert: If this is a preview of what’s to come, the rest of the AFL should be worried. Recruit Changkuoth Jiath made an immediate impact off half-back, his speed breaking the game open in ways Judd McVee never could. Jiath’s performance was so impressive that he was subbed out at halftime, replaced by Christian Salem, who continued the momentum.
Ruck recruit Max Heath held his own against Tristan Xerri, putting his body on the line in marking contests and moving well around the field. Jack Steele was a workhorse, consistently found at the bottom of packs, while mid-season recruit Luker Kentfield—a towering 194cm presence—kicked three goals while sporting a ‘Batman’ mask. Yes, you read that right.
For North Melbourne fans, it was a tough watch. The Roos struggled to contain Melbourne’s midfield and attack, with open spaces exploited time and again. Finn O’Sullivan showed glimpses of brilliance, and Zane Duursma had his moments, but it wasn’t enough. Callum Coleman-Jones took strong marks but faltered in front of goal, and while Nick Larkey moved well, the contested-ball dominance of the Dees limited his opportunities.
Controversial question: Did North Melbourne underestimate Melbourne’s new-look lineup, or is this a deeper issue for the Roos? Let us know in the comments.
The match was played in four 25-minute quarters, with time-on only after goals. The end of the second and fourth terms featured game scenario work, both of which Melbourne won—including a sealer from Harry Sharp, kicked over his head within the first 40 seconds. Talk about clutch.
Among the young guns, draftee Latrelle Pickett stood out, gliding across the field with ease and showcasing his ball skills. Harvey Langford, fresh off an impressive first season, controlled the wing effortlessly. Cooper Harvey was a standout off half-back, working tirelessly despite the ball spending more time in his zone than he’d like. Caleb Windsor spent significant time as an inside midfielder, while Xavier Lindsay and Trent Rivers rotated between inside and outside roles.
On the injury front, Riley Hardeman’s day ended early with a left ankle injury, and Brody Mihocek was ruled out with a concussion after a dumping tackle by Charlie Comben, who may face MRO scrutiny. Thought-provoking question: Are match simulations worth the injury risk, or should teams prioritize player safety over practice?
Melbourne’s goal scorers were led by K. Pickett (5), Kentfield (3), and Mihocek (2), among others, while North Melbourne’s Larkey and Darling each kicked two. The Dees’ lineup included notable absentees like Max Gawn, Steven May, and Jack Viney, who played in the AAMI AFL Origin on Saturday.
JOIN THE DEES PARTY >>> Become a 2026 member [https://membership.melbournefc.com.au/packages/afl] and be part of what could be a historic season. But before you do, ask yourself: Is Melbourne’s dominance here to stay, or is North Melbourne in for a bigger rebuild than we thought? The comments are open—let the debate begin!
