Melbourne star Trent Rivers ‘wouldn’t want to play on’ Kysaiah Pickett ahead of West Coast Eagles clash

Melbourne premiership defender Trent Rivers admits he “wouldn’t want to be playing on” star teammate Kysaiah Pickett ahead of the crunch clash with West Coast. Pickett, who has been linked to a move to Fremantle at season’s end, looms large at Optus Stadium on Saturday night, just a fortnight after he single-handedly dismantled the Dockers with five goals and 24 disposals. Rivers said he loves playing with Pickett, who he won a flag alongside in Perth in 2021, and expects the in-demand forward to remain at the Demons, where he’s contracted until the end of 2027. “I know that personally, I love playing with Kozzy. I think he’s an absolute star, and I’m looking forward to playing with him for many years, ” Rivers told The West Australian. “Just his X Factor and what he can bring to a game, he can tear it open in a matter of seconds. “I wouldn’t want to be playing on him, that’s for sure. And I definitely wouldn’t want him on the other team.” With the Dockers heavily interested in Pickett and reports the Demons were considering a play to lure Jackson back to Melbourne, Rivers declared he’s settled in Victoria and not interested in pursuing a move home. “I’m not going anywhere,” the East Fremantle product said. “Very happy in Melbourne. Set up there. And got my partner over there as well. So it’s going well.” The Demons will be without superstar midfielder Clayton Oliver, who won’t play in Saturday night’s clash to “prioritise his wellbeing”. The club confirmed after “a difficult week personally”, both Oliver and Melbourne agreed it would be best for him not to travel to Perth. Rivers said while he hasn’t spoken to Oliver personally, “the club have been very open with what’s going on.” “It’s pretty brave for him to put his hand up and say that he’s not fit to play this week,” Rivers said. “And we all wrap our arms around and hope that he’s OK and look forward to seeing him playing next week.” Oliver’s absence could see Rivers play in the midfield for the first time this season, after a permanent shift back to defence. The 23-year-old conceded he wants to be a midfielder in the future, but says he’s happy to line up where the team needs. “I definitely do enjoy playing as a midfielder and that’s where I aspire to get to,” Rivers said. “But if the team needs me down back, that’s where I’ll play... we’ll see what happens, where the magnet falls (on Saturday). But I’m happy to play the role, I love playing both roles.” Melbourne will be wary of young gun Harley Reid after the former No.1 pick stunned the Demons with a breakout performance in the club’s shock 35-point victory at Optus Stadium last year. Reid had 21 disposals, seven clearances and kicked two majors, including Goal of the Year, as he brushed off Oliver and midfield bull Christian Petracca to announce himself. “He’s a superstar and he’s going to be a superstar,” Rivers said. “I think we will be watching him pretty closely.” Rivers admits while the 0-7 Eagles are yet to win a game this year, they are expecting a challenge after last year’s upset. “They’re a young team. They haven’t got the ball rolling as of yet but we know what they can do. They’ve shown what they can do against us on this oval,” he said. “So we’ve got to bring our A game if we, you know, want to get the win.”