There are few players who personify the term 'cult hero' in North Melbourne history quite like Byron Pickett.

A phenomenal playing talent, Pickett backed up his penchant for spectacular torpedo punts with a willingness and desire to get down and dirty in the contest. There have been few players in AFL history who could lay a hard-hitting bump quite like the former Kangaroo.

The 1999 premiership player celebrated his 100th game in royal blue and white on April 6, 2002. The Kangaroos were taking on the Bulldogs in Round 2, and Pickett saved one of the greatest performances of his career for his milestone game.

In a clash that epitomised the fighting spirit of the Shinboner, North Melbourne came back from 27 points down in the final term to surge to a 13-point victory. Pickett played a crucial role in the victory, with his six magnificent goals seeing him register a best-on-ground performance.

His third goal of the game was quintessential Pickett. Receiving a handball on the right wing a full 60m from goal, he steadied and unleashed a monster torpedo off of one step. The ball sailed through the goals and ended up in the crowd.

After his brilliant long-bomb, his fourth goal showed the classy side of his game. Finding the loose ball at the back of a pack, Pickett surged forward and took four running bounces before converting a crucial goal to keep the Kangaroos within touching distance of the opposition.

With his final goal of the game he sealed the win, strolling through an open goalsquare to a rapturous ovation from the crowd.

As a Rising Star winner, two-time premiership player and a Norm Smith medallist, Byron Pickett is amongst the most storied names in the modern history of the game. On this day 20 years ago, North fans saw the best of him.