Geelong FalconsGeelong FalconsKey Forward

#8

Jack Pickett

height: 194cm

weight:

D.O.B: 06-03-2008

Leagues: AFL U18 Championships, Coates Talent League Boys, AFL U16 Championships

  • Snapshot
  • Analysis
  • Summary

SNAPSHOT: “A low-volume, high-impact marking target capable of tearing games apart with big bags of goals.”

One of the great unknowns among this year’s budding draft crop is Jack Pickett, whose reputation built as a bottom-ager forms the bulk of what recruiters will judge him off.

The Geelong Falcons product booted 31 goals in eight Talent League games last year. His best was a bag of seven, while he kicked five in a half to help the Falcons escape Wildcard Round. What’s more, he added 25 majors in as many appearances for Geelong College in the APS system.

With a Vic Country Under 18 berth also under his belt, Pickett was duly selected in the 2026 AFL Academy and spent a week training with the Geelong Cats during preseason. There, he reconnected with assistant coach James Rahilly, who mentored the youngster back in his Under 16 days at Torquay.

The St Kilda fan was taken under Shannon Neale‘s wing and looked set for a massive top-age campaign, until a severe knee injury dashed those hopes. After snaring two goals in his opening game for the season, Pickett injured his ACL and MCL at training, ruling him out for the year.

The 18-year-old hasn’t missed a training session or game since, proving everpresent across each program his is involved with. While he didn’t get the chance to prove himself as a top-ager, he remains a very strong draft chance and was invited to the National Combine in October.

STRENGTHS:

+ Aerial ability
+ Kicking
+ Leading patterns
+ Mobility
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Strength

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Consistency
- Production

As far as effective key forwards go, Pickett is right at the top of the pecking order. He does the basics well, but also does them stylishly; lead, mark, score. Capable of impacting the scoreboard in a big way, his brimming goalkicking record speaks for itself.

Pickett hardly goes a game without splitting the big sticks and often does so in clumps. He kicked multiple goals in seven of his eight Talent League games last year, including a five-week run where he poured on 24 majors with a high of seven and low of four.

While certainly a consistent goalkicker, Pickett was seeking to improve his four-quarter consistency this year. As it stands, he fits into the category of low-volume/high-impact - a player who only needs a few touches to have a major impact on proceedings.

The prime example of that notion was Pickett's performance in Wildcard Round last year. He went goalless in the first half and had zero impact on the game, but sprung to life with five majors in the second half - including the game-winner - to help snatch a dramatic win.

Pickett's hope was to begin in his usual deep-lying role, with eyes on venturing further up the ground as the year progressed. That would ideally see him find more of the footy and remain involved throughout four quarters via his aerial presence and field kicking.

The 18-year-old prides himself on his ball use and decision making, even outside of his usually clinical set shot conversions. A powerful and athletic type, Pickett has the potential to provide a leading target up the line, but often settles closer to goal.

His craft and bodywork continue to improve, with the 194cm forward learning when to push off in one-on-one situations and showing great instincts when it comes to presenting on the lead. He's mobile enough to gain separation, but can also engage in physical battles and boasts a strong set of hands overhead.

DRAFT RANGE: Round 1

SUMMARY:

Recruiters will have to look both into the rearview mirror and their crystal ball when assessing Pickett. With next to no exposed form as a top-ager, his bottom-age feats and reputation as a diligent clubperson hold him in good stead. He has the upside to remain a first round candidate and would likely have pushed into the top-10 mix if not for injury. He’s a very good chance to be picked up on night one.

AFL U18 Championships

SeasonTeamKHBDMCPUPTHOCLRI50R50GLGMKHDMHOTGDC
2025Vic Country63946520010323.01.54.52.00.01.01.528
2026Vic Country000000000000000000000
Total-63946520010323.01.54.52.00.01.01.528

Coates Talent League Boys

SeasonTeamKHBDMCPUPTHOCLRI50R50GLGMKHDMHOTGDC
2025Geelong Falcons5119703230398001003186.42.48.84.00.01.03.962
2026Geelong Falcons41534111010214.01.05.03.01.01.02.038
Total-5520753534409101103396.12.28.33.90.11.03.7100

AFL U16 Championships

SeasonTeamKHBDMCPUPTHOCLRI50R50GLGMKHDMHOTGDC
2024Vic Country141125916940050434.73.78.33.00.01.31.342
Total-141125916940050434.73.78.33.00.01.31.342
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