Belief

’[Belief reads] like a Steinbeck novel cum Tarantino film due to the vividly unfolding drama on almost every page.‘  – Dr Sean Gorman * AFL.com.au *‘The story of Marlion Pickett is one of tumult and pain and uplift - yet also endurance, and stoicism. And that makes Belief not merely inspiring but instructive, too. With colour and heart, Dave Warner expertly sketches his softly spoken subject, and tells one of those rare athletic tales from which we can all learn, and through which footy - sport in general, for that matter - can transcend itself.’   – Konrad Marshall“Inspirational’ is an over-used word, but it should be kept in reserve for a story like Marlion Pickett’s. Here is someone who didn’t rise above disadvantage so much as discover his true self and remain true to it through trials and obstacles that are foreign to most Australians. Reading Marlion’s story, it is comforting to know that there is a happy football ending - the 2019 grand final which concludes the book, then more premiership glory and an authentic career as an AFL star. But even without that knowledge, Marlion has set an example for anyone who loses hope in a better future. Yes - inspirational.’ – Malcolm Knox

Marlion Pickett is a former two-time premiership AFL footballer who played for the Richmond Tigers. After a troubled youth, including a stint in jail, Marlion was the first AFL player to win a premiership in his debut game since 1926. Marlion announced his retirement from AFL and played his 91st and final game in August 2024 against Gold Coast at Melbourne’s MCG.

Dave is an award-winning novelist (Ned Kelly for Best Australian Crime Fiction, WA Premier’s Award for Literature) with nine published adult crime novels and a number of non-fiction books on sport and music. He has a long association with Aussie Rules and was commentator for Sydney Swans games in the 90s on Kick AM and 2GB.