RIP Billy Picken and Con Britt

[Dead Eye Didak]

Very sad to read about the passing of Billy Picken and Con Britt.

Billy was a Collingwood champion, who was a spectacular CHB. The original high flyer who would regularly take a mark of the day contender, like we see with Howe of the present times. I remember him as a dashing defender who would create attacking drives forward with his runs through the middle of the ground.
I also remember when he left to go and play with Sydney, l was young at the time, and to me it was unbelievable that Billy Picken left Collingwood. He did return though....

Deepest condolences to the Picken and Britt families......

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

The word star is used to liberally - but in Billy’s case he was a bona fide star. A big game performer. Played in 5 heart breaking grand final losses during the 70’s.

Rest easy Billy, you legend.


On iPad using BigFooty.com mobile app

Not as many as Rene but at least one of his was with Essendon

 

[Maggie Greg]

Billy took the mark of the day in his first game against Carlton in 1974.

In mid 75 he was dropped to the Reserves so Ron Richards put him at CHB for 4 games where her dominated. He came back in v Richmond at the MCG and tore Royce Hart a new one at CHB and a new star was born.

He was best finals player in 1975 playing with strained shoulder ligaments.

 

[NMBB]

Billy Picken - a superb finals player - RIP Collingwood champ

Con Britt - superb skills and a wonderful kick - RIP

 

[Prexm]

Con Britt was before I started following the Pies. Billy Picken however was my childhood hero. First duffle coat with his name on the back, his autograph , lost count of how many times. Remember being upset when he went to the Swans thankfully he returned and finished his career at the Pies. RIP to them both.

 

[Roverjg]

The word star is used to liberally - but in Billy’s case he was a bona fide star. A big game performer. Played in 5 heart breaking grand final losses during the 70’s.

Rest easy Billy, you legend.


On iPad using BigFooty.com mobile app

One of my favourite players ever. He was our best in 4 GF's. The most brilliant mark in any situation I have ever seen.

On SM-N975F using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Kirby]

Played district cricket for Collingwood too

 

[pablo668]

Condolences guys, saw him play in SOO and heard a bit about him elsewhere. Way too young. RIP Billy Picken.

 

[Occidental]

 

[domus]

Loved both men. Con was a classy hard nosed half forward who was a member of the greatest Collingwood side to never win a flag in 1970.
Saw Billy from the beginning when he started as a forward at Vic Park against the Blues.
He was capable of truly spectacular marks and dashing runs but you held your breath when he kicked on occasion. Always played well in finals.
I'm so sad. Life just keeps dishing up these gut punches of reality. We are all here on borrowed time.

Memento Mori.

Thanks for the joy you gave me Billy and Con.

 

[domus]

View attachment 1454405

View attachment 1454406

View attachment 1454407

Robbie Hyde (38) another class player cut short by a knee injury.

 

[lyfsux]

"look out here comes Billy"

RIP Billy and Con

 

[Adil Hoxha]

Collingwood mourns the passing of Billy Picken and Con Britt

The Collingwood Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former players Billy Picken and Con Britt.

www.collingwoodfc.com.au

Too upset to comment.
Two champions of our club.

My sentiments exactly. Vale.

 

[Sobreye]

Billy should have had a flag, was he our greatest finals player?

 

[gordo2016]

Billy was an idol of mine growing up. He seemed to love the big stage and never let the Pies down in finals. Champion player, gone too soon. RIP.

 

[NMBB]

Robbie Hyde (38) another class player cut short by a knee injury.

I had Robert Hyde's jumper at one stage - forget exactly how I came to get it - used to go running in it - cars would slow down to look hoping to see a Cwood player - I created a lot of disappointment jogging in that jumper

 

[thylacine60]

picken, what a player, what a mark, a finals specialist, must have played 25 odd finals, superstar, rip billy, all the best to his friends & family & all pies supporters

 

[Doc1763]

picken, what a player, what a mark, a finals specialist, must have played 25 odd finals, superstar, rip billy, all the best to his friends & family & all pies supporters

He had some great battles with Mark Maclure.

 

[Leigh58]

As a neutral supporter, together with Big Nick, Brereton, Dusty and one or two others, Billy Picken ranks as one of the best big game performers I have seen.
Seemed like a great bloke and character as well. RIP.

 

[thylacine60]

did he what!

 

[Maggie Greg]

picken, what a player, what a mark, a finals specialist, must have played 25 odd finals, superstar, rip billy, all the best to his friends & family & all pies supporters

Billy played in the 19 finals for 9 wins 9 losses and a draw.

1975 1 0 W
1977 3 1 W
1978 3 1 W
1979 4 2 W
1980 4 3 W
1981 4 2 W

 

[Mostfamousclub_Pies]

Such sad news. I cannot remember Con, but Billy was everything to me growing up.

 

[Mollythedolly]

Vale Billy Picken and Con Britt.

Very very sad day for the club.

Condolences to their families and friends.

 

[manicpie]

So many great memories of him at Victoria Park, I still remember the old blokes giving us their empty steel beer cans to stand on so we could see over the crowd, and just to be able to say "Here comes Billy", when you knew he about to fly for a mark. We all copied the catch cry at school but used our names of coarse

 

[JB1975]

Billy was everything you play football for when you're a kid; to dash like the wind and leap into the sky.

RIP Con and Billy, heroes.