The early going of season 2022 was looking to be a Melbourne cakewalk. Having won their opening 10 games, the talk was when they would lose a game.
By the end of the home and away season, Melbourne hit a wall losing six of its last ten to finish second on the ladder. Although battling through an inconsistent patch, expectations were that this talented group would be there on the last Saturday of September. This would be diminished within the space of two weeks, losing Sydney and Brisbane leaving a sour taste in their mouths.
Despite not fulfilling the ultimate goal, Melbourne is going to be right into the premiership conversation yet again. Adding former Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy and Western Bulldogs midfielder Lachie Hunter only strengthens an already imposing depth in its playing list.
Here we will go through the five burning questions surrounding how Melbourne will fare in 2023.
5. Will Kysaiah Pickett be in the red and blue in 2024 and beyond?
Melbourne faces a tough decision on Kysaiah Pickett as to how long they can sign him for. Currently one of the game's most electrifying small forwards, the former first-round pick is due to come out of contract at the end of this season.
With this, suitors are lining up for his services, most notably Port Adelaide because of his connection with 2004 premiership player and his uncle, Byron.
Pickett has had an outstanding two seasons in the red and blue, booting 40 and 41 goals respectively, with his ferocious tackling pressure and uncanny goal sense making him one of the best smalls in the league.
Speaking to The Age last month, Melbourne's Head of Football Alan Richardson remained confident the 21-year-old will stay as talks with the club and Pickett's manager Peter Rohde continue to progress.
Attention will turn to the livewire putting together another consistent campaign. He has been spending more time in the middle, giving Melbourne a different dimension to its already deep rich-layered midfield.
Having already inked away Petracca, Oliver, Salem, Gawn, and Brayshaw to long-term deals, the question will be whether Pickett inks a new deal or if he decides to return to South Australia at season's end.
Melbourne would love to keep him considering the club hasn't had this type of calibre small forward since Jeff Farmer.
