Liam Picken retires

[Antares]

https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2019-04-01/picken-calls-time-on-his-career

 

[dogwatch]

Sad, but sort of relieved if true.

Well played Liam. Club legend.

 

[NBates]

I heard it too. Sad day. Love Liam, but all the best to him (& thanks for the flag)

 

[Testekill]

Sad to see him go but PCS is a hell of a thing and he has a family to worry about.

 

[DontArgue4]

Sorry for the intrusion...

Very sad to hear, but i think the right decision for his health.

All the best with your future endeavors Liam, fantastic career!

 

[Chicago1]

https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2019-04-01/picken-calls-time-on-his-career


Sad, but I feel relieved. It's the right call. He did his part in making our dream come true.

 

[lachy]

Legend of the club.

Wishing he and his family a long happy, healthy and enjoyable life after his football career.

His finals performances will always be remembered as heroic

 

[Triple Baileys]

I'm gonna wait for the official word.

 

[Johnny_Dogg4]

love you champion. never forget that herculean performance in the finals

 

[NBates]

Picken calls time on his career
Apr 1, 2019 12:46PM

Liam Picken played 198 games in the red, white & blue.
Western Bulldogs veteran Liam Picken has called an end to his AFL career.
One of the Club’s most popular and dedicated servants made the tough decision to walk away from the game due to ongoing concussion symptoms.
Picken has not played at AFL level since suffering a head injury in the 2018 JLT Community Series, despite valiant attempts to make a comeback over the last 12 months.
The 32-year-old told his team-mates today that he would retire from the game with 198 games to his name.
Picken’s career has been one of perseverance, dedication, absolute physical and mental application, courage, loyalty, professionalism and team spirit.
He comes from a strong football family – his dad Billy was a star at Collingwood, his brother Marcus spent time on the Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions playing lists, and his cousin Jonathon was a premiership player with the Lions.
After several pre-seasons training with the Magpies and then the Bulldogs, he finally got his chance as an AFL rookie at the end of 2008 after winning a VFL Best and Fairest with Williamstown.
He made his debut in 2009, and quickly established himself as one of the competition’s best taggers.
Later in his career he transformed into a successful midfielder/forward with strong goal sense, unrelenting competitiveness and impressive aerial ability.
He will be remembered most fondly by Bulldogs fans for his incredible on-field deeds in the 2016 finals series, where he kicked eight goals in four games, including three in the Grand Final win over Sydney.
“It’s never an easy thing to accept that one of the Club’s great servants will finish his career,” said Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge.
“For the duration of his career, Liam has embodied the core values we hold dear as a football club, and we will miss his presence greatly.
“We have always had a family-first mentality at the Bulldogs, and that should always be the overriding consideration when it comes to a player’s health and any impact that has on playing football.
“Liam can be immensely proud of his achievements. He is loved and admired within the Club, and universally respected by the whole football public, which is a true indication of the impression he has made on the game.”
Bulldogs Director of Football Chris Grant said the Club would continue to support Picken into his retirement.
“Liam has made a lasting impact on the Western Bulldogs and we will not forget his contribution,” he said.
“Over the last 12 months our focus has been to support Liam by providing him with the best medical care and ensuring his health is our number one priority.
“We will continue to provide off-field assistance for Liam to ensure he has the necessary support to return to full health, including his transition into the next chapter of his working career.”

 

[Randomthoughts]

True Dog Champion
Thanks for the memory’s Picko
Will never forget your 16 finals series

 

[AFDogs]

Legend. Finals run in 2016 will go down as one of the best of all time. We got the absolute most out of Liam Picken.

 

[Pugz89]

Bulldog immortal. Courageous on the field and led by example. Helped to shape our club's future and will leave a positive legacy for future generations, as a premiership player. Thanks Picko.

 

[Substance]

He was our best player across our 4 finals. I'll never forget some of his marks vs the eagles in the EF. Well done on a great career Liam. Doggies Legend!

 

[Doggy]

A great career that will never be forgotten. Take care Liam, your health always comes first.

So now we wait until the mid season draft for a replacement

 

[dogwatch]

Legend. Finals run in 2016 will go down as one of the best of all time. We got the absolute most out of Liam Picken.

So did Liam.

 

[100action]

Picken C Smith T Boyd.

Bulldogs legends for their 2016 finals campaign.

 

[Doggy]

Picken C Smith T Boyd.

Bulldogs legends for their 2016 finals campaign.

What? Boyd hasn't retired ..

 

[fitzroybowiedog]

This is crushing. But wholly understandable.
Gonna miss Picken.

 

[Fossie 32]

Ever grateful - go well Liam

 

[Mofra]

Tough - wish we could have found 2 more games for him.

The official 'player of the 2016 finals series'.

 

[Igloo]

Very sad, but absolutely the right call. Well done, Picko. Champion.

 

[Dog 36]

Thanks for everything Picko. Great career and will always be in our memories.

Will never forget the roar at the MCG after you kicked that goal in the last quarter, never have and don't think I will ever hear the MCG as loud

The goal I am referring to was the one he kicked after the Biggsy effort and the Mclean dropped mark. I have never heard the ground shake like it did then. Its my favourite football memory

 

[mambavino]

Up there with the best of them for his commitment to our footy club. His 2016 finals series was one of the best string of performances put forward by anyone to pull on the red, white and blue.

Fingers crossed he can enjoy a long happy life after footy with his wife and kids.

 

[Dazb86]

Sad but probably the right call. Played a massive part in the 2016 finals series.