Melbourne Demons Player Kysaiah Pickett Flees To Darwin After Relationship Breakup

Kysaiah Pickett of the Melbourne Demons has gone to Darwin because of a relationship problem. He missed training this week.
By Newsroom | Sports, AFL |

PERSONAL TURBULENCE UNDERCUTS PRE-SEASON CAMPAIGN

Kysaiah Pickett, a key forward for the Melbourne Demons, has abruptly departed for Darwin due to a "personal matter," later clarified as a relationship breakdown with his partner and mother of his child, Ardu Cubillo. The unexpected absence has led to missed training sessions, though remote participation has been reported. Despite these disruptions, coach Steven King has indicated strong expectations for Pickett's availability for the season-opener against St Kilda this Sunday.

Kysaiah Pickett deals with family issues in Darwin after relationship split - 1

The club states a commitment to supporting Pickett, acknowledging his need to attend to family obligations while aiming to minimise professional impact.

Kysaiah Pickett deals with family issues in Darwin after relationship split - 2

The 24-year-old's departure on Tuesday was with the club's explicit approval. Reports suggest that while Pickett missed scheduled group sessions, he has engaged in remote training. The expectation is for his return for the main training session on Friday. This situation arrives as Pickett is anticipated to play a pivotal role under new coach King, following a standout 2025 season that saw him score 40 goals and earn an All-Australian selection.

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Kysaiah Pickett deals with family issues in Darwin after relationship split - 3

The Demons have also confirmed a flexible approach to Pickett's commitments throughout the season. Coach King has stated that the club will facilitate necessary trips to Darwin to support his family, provided physical and game-strategy requirements are met. This includes the possibility of monthly absences, which the team plans to manage.

Kysaiah Pickett deals with family issues in Darwin after relationship split - 4

The club's stance appears to be one of accommodating the player's personal circumstances. Melbourne's willingness to support Pickett extends to his cousin, Latrelle Pickett, who was drafted by the club last year and is a potential debutant for the upcoming season. The team's strategic approach to Pickett's role and availability is under scrutiny, particularly given his significance to their offensive capabilities.

Kysaiah Pickett's personal situation, involving his split from Ardu Cubillo, has surfaced just days before the start of the AFL season and the debut of new coach Steven King. The focus remains on his potential participation in the upcoming match, despite the acknowledged complexities of his current circumstances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Kysaiah Pickett go to Darwin?
Kysaiah Pickett, a player for the Melbourne Demons, went to Darwin because of a personal matter, which was later known to be a breakup with his partner.
Q: Did Kysaiah Pickett miss training?
Yes, Kysaiah Pickett missed some training sessions in Melbourne. However, he did remote training and is expected back for a main session on Friday.
Q: Will Kysaiah Pickett play in the first game?
Coach Steven King expects Kysaiah Pickett to play in the season-opener against St Kilda this Sunday, even though he had personal issues.
Q: Will the club let Pickett travel for family?
Yes, the Melbourne Demons will let Kysaiah Pickett travel to Darwin for family needs during the season, as long as it does not hurt his game readiness.
Q: When did this happen?
Kysaiah Pickett's personal situation became known just days before the start of the AFL season and the debut of the new coach, Steven King.