Demons secure Kysaiah Pickett with a lucrative nine-year deal valued at approximately $1.4 million annually.

The Demons have proposed a staggering contract to superstar Kysaiah Pickett, potentially securing his services until the conclusion of 2034.

As reported by AFL.com, this nine-year agreement is estimated to be worth around $12.5 million, translating to approximately $1.4 million annually. Pickett currently has two years left on his existing contract, which would be terminated.

If accepted, this deal would be the most lucrative in the history of the game, surpassing Fremantle’s Hayden Young’s contract (set to expire in 2033) and making Pickett the longest-signed player in the AFL.

Fremantle has been eyeing the 24-year-old, but they have less than a week to put forth a counter-offer to the 2021 premiership winner. Due to salary cap restrictions, it seems unlikely that the Dockers will be able to match the Demons’ proposal.

Despite facing challenges such as homesickness, Pickett has displayed his peak form during the first half of the 2025 season, taking on a more central role in the midfield.

In Melbourne’s narrow one-point defeat to Collingwood on King’s Birthday, he scored three goals, bringing his season total to 21. However, he also conceded a pivotal 50m penalty in the final quarter that allowed the Magpies to score.

Just a week earlier, he was the star of the AFL after scoring five goals against the Swans.

In March, Demons captain Max Gawn pledged to support Pickett, especially after reports emerged that he had been texting friends at Fremantle about a potential move to Perth in 2026.

Originally from South Australia, Pickett has family ties in Western Australia as well. There were discussions of a potential trade deal over the off-season, but nothing came to fruition.

Prior to the Indigenous All-Stars match in February, Pickett addressed the texts, stating that he and his friends “text like general mates”.

“I’ve got friends; I’m allowed to connect with them. I’m under contract with Melbourne, having a great time, and I genuinely love the club,” he remarked.