SANFL Player Focus: Latrelle Pickett (Glenelg)

STATE combine invitee and draft bolter Latrelle Pickett impressed on his SANFL League debut over the weekend, booting four goals as Glenelg trounced Central District. The lively forward has bided his time in the Bays’ Reserves this year, but took full advantage of his senior opportunity.
>> SCROLL to see Pickett’s Round 18 highlights
Pickett, the cousin of Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett, first put his name on the radar with three goals in the SANFL’s annual youth game. His 28 goals in 17 Reserves appearances this year has only helped his cause, while his eye-catching top flight debut further bolstered his draft stocks.
He was originally part of Port Adelaide’s Next Generation Academy but was overlooked in his draft year, playing a total of only four games for Norwood’s Under 18s across two seasons. Now, in a shallow talent pool, the goalsneak is rocketing into contention for a spot at the next level with his raw talent.
We put Pickett’s performance under the Player Focus microscope.

Latrelle PickettHeight: 180cm
Weight: -
DOB: 28-12-2005
Height: 180cm
Weight: -
DOB: 28-12-2005
STRENGTHS:
+ Evasiveness
+ Flair
+ Goal sense
+ Speed
+ Vertical leap
SEASON AVERAGES:
2025 SANFL Reserves (17 games)
12.2 disposals, 2.9 marks, 1.9 tackles, 3.2 inside 50s, 1.6 goals (28 total)
PLAYER FOCUS
2025 SANFL League Round 19
Central District 6.6 (42) def. by Glenelg 20.8 (128)
#44 Latrelle Pickett (Glenelg)
Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 4 goals
FIRST QUARTER:
It was an electric start from the Glenelg debutant as his side broke to a 43-0 head start, and 44-8 quarter time scoreline. There was a period where Pickett had a hand in three consecutive goals, directly assisting two and booting one of his own on the snap.
Pickett’s energy and movement were key features, as he looked to evade opponents with dancing feet and raw speed. While reeled in by opponents at times, or forced to dump handballs away, he put Central District on the back foot with such creative movement.
One of the youngster’s best moments saw him leap high to spoil an opponent at the top of attacking 50, which allowed his Bays teammate to crumb and hand off to Will Chandler for the goal. He was all but beaten, but closed in on the contest hard to keep it alive.
Out of possession, Pickett varied between actively finding the space when Glenelg had the ball, and walking or having his back turned to the play otherwise. Still, he showcased his running ability to get up the ground and try to spark dynamic passages on the way forward.
SECOND QUARTER:
Pickett continued to find the space in attacking phases and got dangerous when the ball was in his area. In particular, he hit the ball at speed when attending stoppages and lowered his body weight to draw a high free kick for his second shot at goal – a missed checkside attempt.
The livewire forward wouldn’t have to wait long for another opportunity, sneaking free for a handball receive inside 50 before cutting inside two opponents onto his right foot to snap the ball home. He saw the opportunity unfold and took it with aplomb, exhibiting great goal sense.
Pickett also rose to take a terrific one-on-one mark up on the wing. He set himself to leap with a bit of separation to his opponent and clunked the ball cleanly overhead before hitting a target by foot. It capped off a dominant half for the Bays, leading 83-9 against a fellow finals-bound side.

THIRD QUARTER:
The scoring ledger began to balance out towards the end of the third term, but not before Pickett helped his side crack the ton after just seven minutes. Anticipating the flow of play on a fast break, he snuck out the back to mark and convert unmanned.
It was a relatively quiet quarter from the forward otherwise. He started with a terrific bit of craft below his knees leading his opponent to the ball on the wing, and continued to search up the ground with a mark in defensive 50. In those passages, he acted as a viable connection piece.
FOURTH QUARTER:
Centrals again hit back in a relatively even term to add some respectability to the scoreboard. Pickett also got on the board for a fourth time, again getting the joe-the-goose in the goalsquare with his smarts in the attacking phase. His speccy attempt one-out inside 50 was another highlight, and he did well to break open a half-forward stoppage at speed before centring the ball inside 50.
CLOSING THOUGHTS…
There’s a lot to like about Pickett, who Glenelg is high on for a chance at the top level. He has come into a very strong Bays team and impacted immediately, looking extremely comfortable in the SANFL’s top flight. It’s no real surprise given his Reserves form – he’s been ready for a little while.
Pickett is sure to impress at the South Australian draft combine having recorded a strong 2km time trial effort in preseason, while his raw speed and spring-heeled leap catch the eye. To complete the small forward package, he’s capable of working up the ground and consistently hitting the scoreboard.
Recruiters have already signalled their interest in Pickett, as his combine invite would attest to, though he can continue to improve his contested game and ability to stay active without possession. He certainly has the talent to make it, so time will tell whether that’s enough to earn a shot in the bigtime.