IN HIS heyday, few instilled fear into a footballer like Byron Pickett.
The Norm Smith Medal-winning human bulldozer claimed many victims during his 204-game career, but he believes he'd have a hard time playing these days.
Pickett's use of the bump was instrumental in rule changes that, according to many, have rendered it extinct.
Geelong's James Kelly was recently rubbed out for two matches for a clash with Essendon's Brendon Goddard in an incident that had Cats coach Chris Scott and captain Joel Selwood both declaring the bump "dead".
Speaking on Wednesday to promote Port Adelaide's Aboriginal Power Cup that will culminate with a curtain raiser to Saturday's game between the Power and Geelong, Pickett said it was difficult for players to avoid bumping.
"I reckon I'd struggle," Pickett joked at how he'd go playing under today's tighter rules.
"When I used to play I don't go out looking for [the bump] - it just happens, I just know how to read the play.
"Mentally I would have to change my game a little bit, but not in a huge way.
"I'd still go out and play my own game but just be a bit careful.
"Once you cross that white line it's just different though."
The former Power and North Melbourne champion, who finished his career with Melbourne, said to remove the bump from the game was to eliminate one of its greatest attributes.
Pickett said he rated bumping alongside marking, tackling and goal scoring as AFL's best spectacle.
"[I'm] not happy with the [recent MRP and Tribunal] decisions, but that's the rules," he said.
"It's one of the great things about our game – the marks, the tackles and obviously the bumps and the goals as well.
"I wouldn't say it's soft, but the rules have changed and I don't think they should change much."
Harry Thring is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.
