Melbourne coach Steven King believes explosive star Kysaiah Pickett has not only the tools and ability required to become the AFL's best player, but also the mentality.

Pickett has produced a scintillating start to the season, underlined by his mark-of-the-year contender over Campbell Gray in last-round's win over Richmond.

The spectacular leap completed the 24-year-old's best-on-ground display, just days after he was allowed a quick trip to Darwin to see his daughter.

First-year coach King has been taken back by Pickett's desire to be the best since arriving at the Demons, with the lightning-quick talent allowed to flourish this season in a full-time midfield role.

"As a coach, you want to give all your players the opportunity to be the best they can, but ultimately it comes down that innate desire to believe you can, and he's got all the tools to be the best as well," King said.

"He's pretty competitive. He doesn't just want to be a highlight reel, he wants to be the best each week.

"That came with a desire to play a bit more midfield time ... he's bought in wholeheartedly and what you see now is recognition for the work he puts in."

King revealed details of Pickett's quick interstate trip after the Richmond match in an attempt to "normalise" the travel as part of the player's personal situation.

"I'd love to give all my players the flexibility required, and that's a two-way trust," King said.

"Kozzy held up his end of the bargain not just by the way he played, but what he did before he left, what he did when he got back and what's in place for him up in Darwin.

"We've got it planned out. It's not just on a whim, drop of the hat thing. We've sort of planned out what the year might look like, and that's in consultation with Koz and his manager."

Pickett's ascension to be one of the most influential players in the game has naturally come with increased attention from opponents.

He faces another likely tagger when the Demons take on ladder leaders Sydney and their renowned stopper James Jordon at the SCG on Sunday.

"He's had a couple tag him this year and it comes back to that work-rate and two-way run - things people can't take away from you," King said.

"That's pretty obvious that match-up will come, so we need to help Kozzy, but if he plays to his strengths he's pretty hard to tag."

Meanwhile, Melbourne are hopeful Harrison Petty could return to action against Sydney after a worrying on-field health episode earlier this month.

The 26-year-old tall suddenly became unsteady on his feet during the win over Brisbane and had to be helped from the field.

He has been cleared of concussion, despite being placed in the protocols as a precaution, and has more boxes to tick before being given the green light.

"At this stage it looks like a type of migraine, which is great news," King said.

"He's still in the protocols, but we're really bullish around if he gets through protocols this week he'll be in a really good place to potentially play."