Rate a 2007 retiree: Byron Pickett - champ or sniper?

[Dry Rot]

IIRC played at three clubs, excelled at two (how many premiership sides was he in? Didn't he win a Norm Smith?). I can recall him winning a game against us off his own boot.

But he seems to polarise fans - some admired his hardness, others thought he crossed the line/

Thoughts?

[The Underdog]

Re: Rate a 2007 retiree: Byron Pickett - champ or sniper?

Can it be both?
At his best was a brilliant damaging footballer in more ways than one.
But paid the price for the way he played and some of his hits crossed the line.
His physicality could lift the team though, and certainly wasn't afraid to put his head over it himself.
Last year was a disappointing way to finish.

[mjp]

Re: Rate a 2007 retiree: Byron Pickett - champ or sniper?

IIRC played at three clubs, excelled at two (how many premiership sides was he in? Didn't he win a Norm Smith?). I can recall him winning a game against us off his own boot.

But he seems to polarise fans - some admired his hardness, others thought he crossed the line/

Thoughts?

CHAMP.

[Twodogs]

Re: Rate a 2007 retiree: Byron Pickett - champ or sniper?

I was there the day Neil Sasche was paralysed. I didnt like the way he targeted players with their head over the ball. He passes my footy test though-"Would I have him at the Bulldogs"

[mjp]

Re: Rate a 2007 retiree: Byron Pickett - champ or sniper?

I was there the day Neil Sasche was paralysed. I didnt like the way he targeted players with their head over the ball. He passes my footy test though-"Would I have him at the Bulldogs"

Fair enough. I dont think he targetted players with their heads over the ball though - he simply targeted everyone he thought he could hit! There were a couple of times that he ran past the ball to hit someone and I never liked that, but to be honest when you go out there determined to influence the game with physical contact...well, these things happen.

His game in the 2004 Grand Final was sublime. Goals, hits, pin-point passes, courageous marks...unbelievable.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Re: Rate a 2007 retiree: Byron Pickett - champ or sniper?

He took out Grant when neither of them were even involved in the play.

[Twodogs]

Re: Rate a 2007 retiree: Byron Pickett - champ or sniper?

Fair enough. I dont think he targetted players with their heads over the ball though - he simply targeted everyone he thought he could hit! There were a couple of times that he ran past the ball to hit someone and I never liked that, but to be honest when you go out there determined to influence the game with physical contact...well, these things happen.

His game in the 2004 Grand Final was sublime. Goals, hits, pin-point passes, courageous marks...unbelievable.

In every other circumstance I would completly agree with you. Whatever it takes with whatever you're best at. But every time I see a player's head get contacted with a hip, shoulder or knee I just cant get that mental image of Sasche out of my head.

[The Underdog]

Re: Rate a 2007 retiree: Byron Pickett - champ or sniper?

I can't remember who he hit, but earlier this year he got a Port player at the MCG and the player was knocked out and stretchered off. It actually seemed to shake him up quite badly, it may have been a case of one hit too many, especially as it was a Port player.

[Bulldog Revolution]

Re: Rate a 2007 retiree: Byron Pickett - champ or sniper?

The type of player that made me wish Mark West had played more than 16 games for the club - perhaps 16 of the most spectacular games every played

[Topdog]

Re: Rate a 2007 retiree: Byron Pickett - champ or sniper?

He was both in my opinion but as mjp said thats what happens when you are determined to influence a game using physical contact.

and I hear you Bulldog Revolution. Can't believe he only played 16 games. I bet everyone remembers him though.

[GVGjr]

Re: Rate a 2007 retiree: Byron Pickett - champ or sniper?

IMO he was neither a champ nor a sniper although there are some instances that he probably shouldn't be proud of. He had a dip and was pretty sharp but just didn't give footy the level of attention that he should have.
A very good player on a good day.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Rate a 2007 retiree: Byron Pickett - champ or sniper?

He was a good player but not a champ.

[Bulldog Revolution]

Re: Rate a 2007 retiree: Byron Pickett - champ or sniper?

IMO he was neither a champ nor a sniper although there are some instances that he probably shouldn't be proud of. He had a dip and was pretty sharp but just didn't give footy the level of attention that he should have.
A very good player on a good day.

I get the feeling that mjp rates him so highly because he delivered on the biggest stage of all.

Its always hard to comment on hypotheticals but:

If he was a Bulldog delivering us our second premiership would you have considered him a champ?

[Bornadog]

Re: Rate a 2007 retiree: Byron Pickett - champ or sniper?

I get the feeling that mjp rates him so highly because he delivered on the biggest stage of all.

Its always hard to comment on hypotheticals but:

If he was a Bulldog delivering us our second premiership would you have considered him a champ?

He was fantastic in that Grand Final, not sure I can call him a champ as that has to be reserved for someone that hardly ever puts in a bad game and is always amongst the best for the day. Love to have had Pickett at the Dogs and yes I can't believe Mark West only played 16 games.

[GVGjr]

Re: Rate a 2007 retiree: Byron Pickett - champ or sniper?

I get the feeling that mjp rates him so highly because he delivered on the biggest stage of all.

Its always hard to comment on hypotheticals but:

If he was a Bulldog delivering us our second premiership would you have considered him a champ?

Very tough question. I suppose any player that delivers on the big day would enjoy an inflated sense of worth by the fans. To be honest I think the whole champion tag is used way to freely in the footy world. I don't think I would have ever said that he was a champ but perhaps I would have said that on a good day he could mix it with the best.