Melbourne’s Kysaiah Pickett has unexpectedly been granted availability to participate in next year’s State of Origin clash between Western Australia and Victoria, despite not initially fitting the selection criteria.
Pickett was drafted out of Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL, despite growing up in Quairading, Western Australia.
Channel 9 reporter Paddy Sweeney revealed that Dean Cox and WA will get the opportunity to select the Demons star.
Ironically, Pickett has flirted with a move to the western state, and has previously hoped to join Fremantle.
“He’s very happy about it,” Sweeney told 9News Perth.
“The AFL has given the Melbourne superstar the green light to pull on the black and gold, with Pickett identifying as a West Australian and a proud Noongar man.
“The 24-year-old requested the league to allow him a special privilege due to his close W.A ties.
How Kysaiah Pickett campaigned the AFL over State of Origin eligibility.
The superstar cleared to play for WA, despite being drafted from South Australia.@9NewsPerth @FootyonNine pic.twitter.com/ilb5pDvRcS
— Paddy Sweeney (@SweeneyPaddy9) November 27, 2025
“Pickett spent the majority of his childhood in Quairading in W.A’s wheat belt and returns every year to see his mother.
“No doubt he is a massive inclusion for W.A.”
It will be a massive boost to the WA, who have already announced Carlton captain Patrick Cripps, Fremantle star Shai Bolton, Hawthorn defender Tom Barrass, Western Bulldogs key forward Aaron Naughton and Sydney midfielder Chad Warner in the side.
Opposing them will be a VIC outfit littered with the competition’s best players, headed by Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli, who will line up alongside Collingwood’s Nick Daicos, Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters, Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell and Coleman Medallist Jeremy Cameron.
Pickett’s eligibility for WA may mean that SA, who is tipped to feature in the State of Origin in the years to come, will miss out on his services.
The State of Origin clash between Victoria and Western Australia is slated for February 14th, 2026, at Optus Stadium.
CURRENT WESTERN AUSTRALIA SQUAD
CURRENT VICTORIA SQUAD