South West AFL Watch: Stars on receiving end of heartbreaking losses, Pickett receives unwanted attention

In the midst of an action-packed round of AFL, several of the South West’s stars found themselves on the receiving end of agonising losses, while another received unwanted attention from a fan. Busselton’s Jye Amiss put in a modest effort during the heartbreaking 11.11 (77) to 11.8 (74) loss to Brisbane at Optus Stadium, which has likely shut the door on the Dockers’ hopes of making the finals. Despite booting a goal early in the final quarter to keep the Dockers in contention, the 20-year-old key forward finished with seven disposals, five marks, two behinds, five score involvements, two pressure acts, and an inside 50. Former Harvey Brunswick Leschenault Lion Ethan Hughes could be facing a stint on the sidelines after suffering a leg injury that ruled him out at three-quarter time. Before being replaced by Matthew Johnson for the final quarter, Hughes was kept quiet, finishing with five disposals, three marks, a tackle, and three pressure acts. Harvey product Brady Hough and the West Coast Eagles fell just short of backing up their winning efforts from round 21, with Essendon surviving a massive scare from the Eagles to win 10.13 (73) to 11.6 (72) at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. The 20-year-old defender was kept busy, finishing with 13 disposals, six marks, an intercept possession, three score involvements, five pressure acts and two inside 50s. Meanwhile, former Manjimup Tiger junior Marlion Pickett received unwanted attention during Richmond’s 19.12 (126) to 10.11 (71) loss to Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Friday. A supporter has come under scrutiny for reaching over the fence and touching the 31-year-old during the third quarter, leading Pickett to react and slap the fan’s drink away. After trying to spoil a mark in the forward pocket, Pickett’s momentum carried him over the boundary, winding up close to the fence. The fan, who was sitting in the front row, tapped Pickkett three times on the shoulder and appeared to say something to him, who turned and walked towards him before slapping his drink away. Aside from the unwanted fan interaction, Pickett was sighted throughout the midfield, ultimately finishing with 12 disposals, a mark, five tackles, a goal booted during the second quarter, five intercept possessions, a goal assist, four score involvements, 25 pressure acts, two clearances and four inside 50s.