Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin couldn't wipe the smile from his face as the glaringly obvious first question to be asked at Friday's press conference was posed: How do you feel about Kysaiah Pickett re-signing?
For multiple years rumours have swirled as to whether Pickett will make a move back closer to family, whether it be in South Australia or further west.
However, the biggest offer in AFL history - a deal to make Pickett the longest-contracted player in the league - was enough to see Pickett's interest in a move home wane, with the livewire footballer now set to wear the red and blue guernsey for the next nine years, extending his current deal to 2027 out to 2034.
Goodwin was ecstatic that an extension could be made to see Pickett commit to the future.
"We're incredibly excited to have Kysaiah Pickett a part of our footy club long-term," Goodwin said.
"I think everyone, especially our supporters, sees the talent that he has, and loves what he brings to our footy club and we're incredibly excited that he's been able to commit.
"I think it says a lot about our footy club, about where we're at and where we're going. For 'Kozzy' to sit there and say 'This is the club I want to be at' is fantastic for our supporters and everyone involved.
"It's been a high talking point for a number of years now, and we've worked incredibly hard with Kozzy to make this a place that he wants to be in and see a real future here at Melbourne.
"By signing such a deal indicates that's the commitment that he's got for this footy club and his love for the footy club.
"...We know how incredibly important family is for every player and we give that opportunity to all our players, whether they're from Adelaide, Perth, from all around the country. Family is a priority for us and being able to have players have time with their family is most important to us."
Pickett, who has had a patch of career-best form this season, was once again influential for the Demons on Monday, kicking three goals to lift Melbourne close towards a stunning King's Birthday upset.
It follows games of 5.4 in front of goal with 24 disposals in Round 11, and 5.2 again with 24 disposals against Fremantle in Round 6.
Goodwin said Pickett and the Demons' overall display on Monday were promising signs for the remainder of the season.
"Obviously he's an exciting player and I think he's still got enormous growth still left in him. I think he can be something incredibly special," Goodwin said.
"That provides enormous stability for our list moving forward and we can make some really strong decisions around that deal.
"...It was a tough result in the end (against Collingwood), but at the same time, we brought in enormous belief in terms of how we're playing. We're disappointed with the outcome, but we're incredibly proud about how we went about our footy.
"I think in the last six weeks we've been able to prove to ourselves first and foremost that if we execute the things we're looking to in our game, we can stack up against the really good teams in the competition.
"Our challenge is to keep improving and to keep building that consistency to do it week after week, and there's no bigger challenge than this week going to Adelaide Oval against Port Adelaide, and putting up a good show again."
Sitting at 5-8, a win is a must for Melbourne if they are to remain in finals contention following an 0-5 start to the season.
