M&J Chickens Player of Round 6Wednesday, May 9, 2018 - 5:55 PM - by Chris Pike

THERE were plenty of standout performances right across the four games in Round 6 of the WAFL but none better than the effort in a new midfield role from South Fremantle star Marlion Pickett.

Looking across the four games in Round 6 of the 2018 WAFL season, Subiaco captain Kyal Horsley and Peel Thunder's AFL veteran of 256 games Danyle Pearce made especially strong cases to receive the Player of the Round honours.

But in the end it was South Fremantle's Marlion Pickett who just couldn't be overlooked to be named M & J Chickens Player of the Round after his starring role in the Bulldogs' win against Swan Districts.

South Fremantle made it four straight victories this season following a first up loss to Subiaco having beaten Swan Districts by 13 points on Saturday at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

Pickett was a significant factor in the Bulldogs' victory with the regular defender continuing to thrive in a new role in the midfield for South Fremantle.

Back in the latter part of the 2013 WAFL season, Pickett came from nowhere to make his league debut with South Fremantle and delivered some stunning performances late in the campaign mostly as a half-forward.

He went on to have a solid 2014 season at South Fremantle but couldn't really find his best position splitting his time between half-forward and the wing, and struggling at times for a consistent impact.

But with the arrival of Todd Curley as coach, Pickett was moved into a role in defence and that's where he really thrived and carved out his niche as one of the league's most impactful players.

Over the last three years, Pickett has starred as a defender for South Fremantle especially the last two seasons in teams that reached the preliminary final.

As a defender, Pickett showed the ability to beat individual opponents but his biggest impact came in the way he could help his teammates and ensure that South Fremantle just didn’t lose any contest when he was part of it – whether it be in the air or ground level.

Pickett's run and carry off the back-line then became a feature of South Fremantle's play with his evasive ability and then speed and kicking skills a treat to watch.

After three strong seasons in defence, Pickett's role has been changed up again a little in 2018 and in recent weeks he has played as an inside midfielder with great results.

Following the departure of Tim Kelly to Geelong, there was an obvious position there for somebody to grab at the Bulldogs and Pickett has shown he's more than capable of playing as a midfielder and having a great impact.

The 26-year-old who has now played 81 WAFL games was the clear best afield in Saturday's win for South Fremantle finishing with 30 possessions and seven tackles in a dazzling display.

Moving forward, Pickett is a remarkable weapon for South Fremantle considering he can play every single position on the ground whether it be down back or up forward, on the wing, as an inside midfielder or even in the ruck.

It was no surprise to see him also added to the squad and he would have to be a strong chance to again be part of the KIA WAFL State Team this Saturday against the SANFL on Saturday at Adelaide Oval.

M & J Chickens Players of the Round
Round 1 – Rhys Palmer (Swan Districts)
Round 2 – Fraser McInnes (East Perth)
Round 3 – Cody Leggett (Perth)
Round 4 – Shane Nelson (West Perth)
Round 5 – Patrick McGinnity (East Perth)
Round 6 – Marlion Pickett (South Fremantle)