Byron Pickett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Byron Pickett |
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Pickett playing for Melbourne in 2007
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Byron Pickett | ||
| Nickname(s) | Choppy | ||
| Date of birth | 11 August 1977 | ||
| Place of birth | Kellerberrin, Western Australia | ||
| Original team | Port Adelaide (SANFL) | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Byron Pickett, born on August 11, 1977, is a famous former Australian rules football player. He played for three big teams in the Australian Football League (AFL): the North Melbourne Football Club, Port Adelaide Football Club, and Melbourne Football Club.
Byron was known for being a strong player in important games. He played with a tough, exciting style. He is one of only 12 players ever to win two AFL championships. He also won a special award called the Norm Smith Medal. Plus, he played over 200 AFL games!
In 2005, Byron was honored as one of the best Aboriginal players of all time. He was chosen for the Indigenous Team of the Century. He stopped playing professional AFL at the end of the 2007 season. After that, he still played football in a league called the SANFL for the Port Adelaide Magpies.
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Byron Pickett's Early Life
Byron Pickett was born in Kellerberrin, a country town in Western Australia. He grew up in Tammin and Geraldton before moving to Port Lincoln in South Australia.
Byron played most of his junior football for the Mallee Park Football Club. Many other great players, like Peter and Shaun Burgoyne, also started there.
The Port Adelaide Football Club in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) noticed Byron's skills. He began playing in Port Adelaide's junior teams. He would travel a long way each weekend to play in Adelaide.
Even though Byron didn't play higher than the under-19s for Port Adelaide, the senior coach, John Cahill, wanted him for their first AFL season in 1997. However, Byron felt homesick and said no to the offer. Later, he joined the 1996 AFL Draft and was picked by the North Melbourne Football Club.
Byron Pickett's AFL Career
Playing for North Melbourne (1997–2002)
Byron was nicknamed "Choppy." He started his AFL career in 1997 with the North Melbourne Football Club, playing just one game. In 1998, he had a great year and won the AFL Rising Star award. This award goes to the best young player.
Byron was 178 cm tall and weighed 86 kg. He wasn't the biggest player, but he was very strong and tough. He became known for his aggressive style when going for the ball. He was also known for his hard bumps, which sometimes caused injuries to opponents. Because of this, he was suspended three times after 2001.
In 1999, he helped the Kangaroos win an AFL championship. After the 2002 season, he moved to the Port Adelaide Football Club. This was the club he had played for in the SANFL as a junior.
Towards the end of his time at North Melbourne, he famously broke the collarbone of Geelong's Darren Milburn during a tough clash.
Playing for Port Adelaide (2003–2005)
Byron joined Port Adelaide in 2003. That year, he kicked 43 goals in 25 games, which was the second-highest for his team.
He was a key part of Port Adelaide's first-ever AFL championship team in 2004. In that Grand Final, he had 20 possessions and kicked 3 goals. This amazing performance earned him the Norm Smith Medal, given to the best player in the Grand Final.
At the end of the 2005 season, Byron was traded to the Melbourne Football Club. This ended his successful time at Port Adelaide.
Playing for Melbourne (2006–2007)
Byron joined the Melbourne Football Club in 2006. He promised to keep his tough playing style. He wore the number 33 jersey, which was worn before by another Aboriginal player, Jeff Farmer.
In a game against Fremantle in 2006, Byron's strong play sent Ryan Crowley to the hospital with a broken cheekbone.
Byron also had some hamstring injuries in 2006, which made him miss several games.
His 2007 season started slowly because he wasn't fit enough before the season. But he returned in Round 4. In April, he made a strong tackle on Tadhg Kennelly, which caused a serious knee injury. On May 5, 2007, Byron tackled Kane Cornes of Port Adelaide. Cornes was concussed and had to be taken off the field.
After Round 6 in 2007, the Demons team suspended Byron for at least four weeks. The official reason was that he failed to attend a game.
Even though some people said he was getting heavier and slower later in his career, Byron still made a big impact in games. He continued to score goals and make plays that could change the game.
Byron Pickett announced that his last game of football would be on Sunday, September 2, 2007. He retired along with his teammates Clint Bizzell and Nathan Brown. He kicked a goal in his final game against the Carlton Blues.
After His AFL Career
After retiring from the AFL, there were rumors that several country football clubs wanted Byron to play for them. Eventually, Byron returned to play for Port Adelaide in the SANFL in 2008 and 2009.
Byron also became involved with Port Adelaide's Football Academy Program. He helped mentor young Aboriginal players in this program.
Honours and Achievements
Team Awards
- AFL Premiership (Kangaroos): 1999
- McClelland Trophy (North Melbourne): 1998
- Pre-Season Cup (North Melbourne): 1998
Port Adelaide
- AFL Premiership (Port Adelaide): 2004
- McClelland Trophy (Port Adelaide): 2003, 2004
Individual Awards
- Norm Smith Medal: 2004
- All-Australian: 1999
- Indigenous All-Stars Representative Honours: 2005, 2007
- AFL Rising Star Award: 1998
- AFL Rising Star Nominee: 1998 (Round 3)
Images for kids
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Byron Pickett playing for Melbourne in 2007
