Latest on Kozzy’s future as manager holds Melbourne meetings; Pies recruit reflects on move — In and Under

The latest on Kysaiah Pickett’s future, plus a Collingwood recruit has reflected on his move to the club.

In and Under delves into footy’s hottest topics, with insights from behind the scenes.

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LATEST ON KOZZY’S FUTURE AS MANAGER HOLDS MELBOURNE MEETINGS

There remains a waiting game on Kysaiah Pickett’s call on his future as the Demons star continues to mull his options and the pull of returning to Perth.

Melbourne is extremely keen to retain Pickett beyond his current deal, which expires in 2027, amid a career-best season from the 24-year old as Fremantle circles.

Pickett’s Western Australian-based manager Anthony Van Der Wielen is in Melbourne this week, having already met with Pickett and set to catch up with Demons list boss Tim Lamb.

It’s possible Pickett’s camp could yet opt to renegotiate his current deal given the gun small forward’s form as he takes his time with his call.

Melbourne officials say Pickett looks to be in a great place off field, in addition to thriving on it.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 25: Kysaiah Pickett of the Demons celebrates a goal during the 2025 AFL Round 11 match between Narrm (Melbourne Demons) and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 25, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

He’s averaged career-highs in disposals (19.4 per game) and goals (two per game) in 2025, having been effectively utilised as a damaging mid-forward to play a key role in the Demons’ resurgence over the last several weeks.

The Dees livewire has previously been linked to Port Adelaide, where he also has family connections, but the Power aren’t considered suitors anymore. West Coast also has a level of interest in Pickett but is seen to be going down a different path.

The 2021 premiership gun earlier this year switched managers to Perth-based Van Der Wielen, who also looks after Dockers and close friends of Pickett, Quinton Narkle and Shai Bolton.

Melbourne president Brad Green on the eve of this season set a price of up to three first-round picks for Pickett if he ultimately decides to leave.

The Dockers only have one first-round pick this year, but clubs can now trade future picks up to two years in advance under the new rules.

There’s also been rumblings Luke Jackson could seek am move back to Melbourne at season’s end.

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PIES RECRUIT ‘VERY CONTENT’ WITH MOVE REGARDLESS OF RISE

Collingwood recruit Harry Perryman says he’d be “very content” with his free agency move to the club regardless of the fact the ladder-leading Magpies are flying.

The former Giant arrived at Collingwood last October in a decision that couldn’t be panning out much better right now.

Not only is Perryman living out in his dream in playing for the club he grew up supporting, the Magpies have also bounced back in a big way as premiership favourites at 10-2 at the midway point of the season.

“To be honest, I’d be content even if we weren’t getting the wins,” Perryman told foxfooty.com.au after Friday night’s win over Hawthorn.

“I was very content with my decision coming down here, I have no regrets.

“It helps to be on top of the ladder, that’s for sure, but there’s still a lot of footy to be played.”

Perryman, who’s from the small country town of Collingullie in country New South Wales, said growing up he “dreamt of moments” like last Friday night, when Collingwood belted Hawthorn by 51 points in front of over 80,000 fans at the MCG.

The Hawks and Port Adelaide were also circling Perryman last year until he landed on the Pies as his new home, joining the club alongside fellow recruits Dan Houston and Tim Membrey.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 24: Harry Perryman of the Magpies during the 2025 AFL Round 11 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Collingwood Magpies at Marvel Stadium on May 24, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

“It’s pretty special and I’m very grateful for the opportunity and loving my time here and playing in this side,” Perryman added.

“Ever since I’ve arrived everyone have been awesome and so welcoming, from the boys to the coaching and all the staff.”

The 26-year old noted it was an “eye opener” moving from the Giants to “the biggest club in the land”.

“There’s certainly a few different things down here in Melbourne compared to being up in Sydney,” he continued.

“In Sydney you can kind of get away with whatever, no one really knows who you are. You get noticed a bit more down here.

“But I’m enjoying my time.”

Perryman has been used in a variety of roles in Craig McRaes’s side, starting this season in the midfield but playing predominantly down back in recent weeks.

Having that flexibility and capacity to plug holes when required is a key part of the package of the former Pick 14.

And the 141-gamer is happy to play whatever role is required to help the team win.

“I love playing down back to be honest,” he said.

“Everyone thinks I came here to play midfield, but I like playing down back just as much.

“I’m feeling in the holes and think I’ve got that sort of flexibility in my game. ‘Fly’ (McRae) is happy to play mw wherever so long as we’re getting the wins.”

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