Melbourne star fires as same-old Roos fail to excite

The lifelong deal signed by Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett midway through 2025 hasn't curtailed his trajectory to stardom, making Friday's opposition look second-rate.

Pickett kicked five majors playing predominantly as an aggressive midfielder, utilising his burst to storm towards goal.

A highlight of the afternoon was the 24-year-old's goal from centre ball-up, extracting the clearance from a Max Heath tap, before putting it through the big sticks from outside 50.

The Demons' livewire is the clear future of the club, and took hold of the club's on-ball in the absence of Max Gawn and Jack Viney, while the departures of Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver only emphasised the permanent move.

Pickett's cousin, Latrelle, who joined the club in last year's draft with Pick 12, was put in the midfield in the third quarter, and dazzled with his quick feet and silky skills.

Good luck catching Latrelle Pickett 😍 pic.twitter.com/LqtnSki4RM

— AFL (@AFL) February 20, 2026

Latrella doubled down his efforts late in the fourth term, dancing around around multiple opponents before calmly finding teammate Luker Kentfield inside 50.

Melbourne recruits also impressed, with Max Heath the clear heir to the ruck, once Gawn decides to end his glittering career.

Jack Steele looked comfortable as one of the experienced midfielders, helping link up plays and use his neat ball movement to find the free.

Steele also slotted two final-term goals based on pure work-rate in transition.

Brody Mihocek started lively, kicking two goals in the opening term before a concussion ended his day early.

This latest setback puts Mihocek in doubt for Round 1, given his interrupted pre-season.

North Melbourne's day was disappointing, with hopes that the club would show some initial improvement after a long summer.

The Kangaroos found plenty of the ball, but when hitting the "money kick" (kick inside 50), they failed to convert frequently, ultimately leaving them vulnerable on the defensive end.

New Demon Jack Steele kicks truly. pic.twitter.com/RyQl1bZ7xX

— AFL (@AFL) February 20, 2026

Melbourne cashed in on the lack of defensive pressure, with its link-up handballs to slick and fast for the Shinboner outfit.

Luke Davies-Uniacke and Jy Simpkin had notable performances, but lacked assistance.

SSP prospect Tom Blamires had moments when he came on in the second half, showcasing his clean possession and clearance work.

Zane Duursma, after he struggled last year, was productive despite the shortage of inside 50s.

Fears have also gone into the Roos' camp after young defender Riley Hardeman came from the ground in the second quarter, immediately clutching at his ankle after a marking contest.

Both clubs agreed to scenario play at the end of the quarters.

The Demons and Kangaroos were given opportunities to trail by close margins with two minutes remaining, helping practice games at the death.