AFL: West Coast Eagles’ Brady Hough collects first win as Marlion Pickett stars in Richmond’s shock upset

Brady Hough has finally received the traditional sports drink shower from teammates after his West Coast Eagles pinched a gutsy win against Collingwood in Melbourne on Saturday. The win — West Coast’s first of the year — means they avoid their worst ever start to an AFL season, and came while their playing stocks were still decimated by COVID casualties and injuries. And it was the Harvey product’s best showing yet in his new colours, collecting 15 disposals in an influential role across half-back in the 14.3 (87) to 10.14 (74) win at Marvel Stadium. He was also involved in one of the plays of the day, dishing out a sweeping handball to Liam Ryan who delivered a stunning ball inside 50 for Luke Edwards to kick a second quarter goal. It was the 19-year-old defender’s first win at AFL level, joined by former Fremantle Docker Hugh Dixon and ex-Richmond midfielder Patrick Naish in the middle of the team song in the aftermath. It comes in his third game and his first interstate, after missing the Eagles’ round two loss to North Melbourne at the same venue under COVID protocols. The club now face a six-day break before facing Sydney at Optus Stadium on Friday night. While there could be a selection squeeze for that clash, with coach Adam Simpson revealing a host of big names are set to return, Hough’s strong showings even with fellow half-back Alex Witherden in the team indicate he should hold his spot. “Hopefully we get Yeo, Shuey, Kelly, Jamie Cripps maybe and Oscar Allen possibly,” he said. “We are trying to not look at that … but there will at least be some conversations this week. Meanwhile, Manjimup’s Marlion Pickett’s season at Richmond is going from strength to strength, collecting another 20 disposals and kicking a major in the club’s shock Saturday night win over the Western Bulldogs. The 15.9 (99) to 7.19 (61) triumph evens the Tigers’ ledger after four games, while Pickett now averages 18 touches a game.