DAMIEN Hardwick has revealed the moment he felt Marlion Pickett may never achieve his dream of playing AFL, just weeks after arriving at Punt Road.

Speaking as part of the AFL's Season Launch video dedicated to Pickett's fairytale journey, Hardwick considered the chances of his new signing never returning to Melbourne after flying home for a funeral in June last year.

"I thought it might be the last time I've heard of Marlion Pickett," Hardwick said.

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"Yeah, I thought he might be staying in Perth."

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