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Richmond mid-season recruit Marlion Pickett strengthened his case for an AFL grand final debut with a best-afield performance in the VFL grand final.
Richmond's mid-season recruit Marlion Pickett pushed his case for a romantic AFL grand final debut, winning the Norm Goss Medal for best on ground in the VFL decider.
Pickett booted the game's opening goal from long-range and impressed early with his class and workrate around the contest, finishing the game with 20 disposals and nine tackles to help Richmond to a three-point win.
If he were to earn a call-up, Pickett would be the first player to make their AFL debut in a grand final since 1952.
Premiership wingman Kamdyn McIntosh and midfielder Jack Ross could be in the frame for grand final recalls after the pair were withdrawn from Richmond's team for the VFL grand final.
The Tigers could be forced into changes for Saturday's decider - Jack Graham is in doubt with a dislocated shoulder, while defender Nathan Broad will have to recover from a concussion to play.
Ross, a hard-nosed midfielder, was an emergency for Friday night's AFL preliminary final and has played seven games this year.
McIntosh, a 2017 premiership player, fell out of favour late in the season and hasn't played AFL since round 17 but his experience could hold him in good stead.
A number of other Tigers looked to put their hands up for AFL selection in the VFL grand final, which Richmond won 8.10 (58) to 7.13 (55).
That included young utility Sydney Stack, who was on restricted minutes in his return from ankle surgery.
Stack (six disposals) entered the game after quarter-time and was widely cheered when he collected his first possession on the wing, before pushing forward.
But the teenager looked understandably rusty and struggled to have an impact.
He limped off early in the fourth quarter after suffering a knock but returned to play out the game.
2017 AFL premiership forward Dan Butler (17 disposals, seven tackles) was among Richmond's better players, but will have a nervous wait after he was reported for striking Williamstown's Nick Mellington in the stomach in the second term.
