Marlion Pickett announces retirement from Richmond Tigers; Shane Dunne to succeed Brendon Gale as CEO

Houston’s defense attorneys argued that the court made a legal error in its ruling because Houston had the right to make a tackle or a collision.

They also argued the AFL failed to prove Houston actually struck Rankin in the neck and upper shoulder, saying photos showed he struck the “upper part of the shoulder.”

The AFL said 11 video angles and multiple still photos allowed the court to “patiently” find the level of contact was high.

Power also believes the penalty is patently excessive because no other bans for hits that don’t involve direct contact with the head have been so severe this season.

Charlie Cameron’s “good ol’ fellow” defence earlier this season was also mentioned, as Houston has played 168 AFL games and 18 SANFL games with just one melee penalty.

Advocates argue: “His record is more commendable than Mr Cameron, who has benefited from having the ban relaxed.”

The AFL said Houston’s punishment was not manifestly excessive because the minimum standard for a conviction is three games.

The AFL raised Jimmy Webster’s case in pre-season, with the league advocating an eight-match ban, but it was eventually reduced to seven games.

AFL advocate Lisa Hannon said Webster had strong references, answered all questions and admitted he had done wrong, but still received a stiff ban.

Hannon added that Cameron’s case had statistics, compelling character evidence and other information. She added that the court also found Houston had a good record.

This newspaper reported this week that Carlton is expected to be a first-round pick in this year’s draft, making their attempts to sign Ports star Houston more difficult.

Marlion Pickett ends a fascinating football saga

Wu Ande

Of the more than 13,000 players in V/AFL history, Few people have as great a story as Marlion PickettHe climbed from the bottom of life to the top of sports and became Richmond’s most unexpected hero.

Pickett’s football career has come to an end and he will don the yellow and black for the 91st and final time when the Tigers take on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

It will be a bittersweet moment for the Tigers faithful. It will be a day of celebration and remembrance because They sent Dustin Martinundoubtedly the best player to ever wear their famous jumper, another favourite son is Dylan Grimes and now Pickett.

All of which are reminders of a dynasty that, while not so distant, must feel like a long time ago. Add to that the stark reality that they are likely to finish the day bottom of the table for the first time in 17 years, and the years of pain that lie ahead as the club overhauls an ageing roster that will inevitably be affected by league equalisation measures.

The one who may have brought such shame to the Tigers is their former coach Damien Hardwick. The news came as a shock to many Tigers fans.

There is still uncertainty The future of the Premier League’s top four: Shai Bolton, Daniel Rioli, Liam Baker and Jack Graham, who are all linked with a move to a rival club.

Pickett, a two-time premiership winner, may not be the central figure in Richmond’s success but in many ways he embodies the inclusive culture that the club has developed.

The scene of the team mobbing Pickett after his first goal in the 2019 grand final – the last flag the Tigers ever saw in person at the MCG – has become folklore and will forever be remembered by fans who bleed the yellow and black.

His career has spanned from prison to football. Pickett was released from a Western Australian prison in 2013 and burst onto the scene in the Western Australian Football League, rising through the ranks over the next six seasons to become one of the best players in the state league.

Despite interest from several clubs, Pickett was overlooked in the 2018 draft, with his big break coming in the mid-season rookie draft in season two. Unexpectedly, he performed well in the VFL final to earn a spot in the grand final.

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At one point, Pickett was ready to give up his dream of playing in the AFL.

“It’s been a great journey… I didn’t even expect I’d be drafted,” he said. “It was an honour to be drafted in and wear the black and yellow jersey, and it was even more special to wear it.

“My past and the way I was brought up were different from others, and it wasn’t easy to get picked. I was ignored for six or seven years, and in 2019 I was about to give up all my dreams.

“Some people supported me, they told me to hang in there… they told me just one more year would be fine.

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“Five years feels like ten… but the sweat, blood and tears that went into it is the fun of it, and it’s really special to do it with a group of people.

“I’m proud to be a Richmonder, and I’m going to miss football.”

Tigers back Pickett, who will face trial in Perth He is accused of taking part in commercial burglaries across Perth in the summer of 2022-23, stealing more than $380,000.

He pleaded not guilty to 12 charges.including theft, criminal damage to property and aggravated burglary.

Coach Adem Yze paid tribute to Pickett.

“With his story and the contribution he’s made to our football club, he deserves the punishment he deserves,” Ize said.

“He was able to walk out there with the kids one last time, and that’s something we’re really proud of.”

Using AAP

Tigers to name Dunn as new CEO

Peter Ryan

Richmond will officially announce Shane Dunne as its new chief executive next week as the club rebuilds its roster after winning three championships between 2017 and 2020.

Dunn has served as the Tigers’ general manager of Aligned Leisure and Education for the past nine years and will take over Brendon Gale, new CEO of Tasmania’s first AFL team.

The decision completes a reshuffle of key leadership positions at the club since midway through last season, with Adem Yze replacing head coach Damien Hardwick, John O’Rourke taking over from Peggy O’Neal as president and Dunne replacing Gale.

Long-time Gaels assistant coach Simon Matthews is a candidate for the position, having been a key figure in the Tigers’ championship run. Dunn is no relation to Tigers director and championship player Emmett Dunn.

Richmond declined to comment, but industry sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the process, said Dunn had been informed of the decision.

From the early 1980s until Gayle became chief executive in 2009, the Tigers endured a series of defeats and have now grown into a force on and off the field, with three flags and 100,000 members.

However, In 2024, Yze was hit hard by injuries This is his first season as coach.