No slim Pickens for high flyers as Dog takes off

[bornadog]

Link



They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and in Bulldog Liam Picken's case, that old saying is once again ringing true.

A hard-nosed tagger in his previous incarnation as a League footballer, Luke Beveridge's arrival at Whitten Oval two years ago has seen Picken rediscover the attacking traits he inherited from his father Billy – a high-flying Collingwood great.

As a centre-half-back in the 70s and 80s, Billy was renowned for his spectacular marking and it's a trait that has crept back into Liam's game after lying dormant since junior football.

The midfielder could have three mark of the year nominations to his name in 2016, after he nearly hit his head on the Etihad Stadium roof attempting an enormous hanger in round two against St Kilda.

"I was disappointed to drop that one against the Saints earlier this year, but I think I was surprised I was up so high," Picken told AFL.com.au.

"I do enjoy flying for marks because it's good to be able to run and jump at the footy.

"I'm allowed to go for them as long as I don't jump into one of our big boys."

Billy isn't surprised his youngest son is starting to put together a highlights reel to rival his own, as he first noticed an offensive flair in Liam during his junior footy days.

While a fierce desire to compete was a constant staple of his game, he recalls Liam "always being good in the air and strong overhead".

Running a farm in country Victoria, Billy barely misses a game Liam plays.

"I coached Liam when he was younger and he was a very attacking player then," Billy said.

"It's always been in his armory and now he's been given a chance now to carry it out.

"I can't take any credit for that because Liam is a totally different player to me.

"I'm just really proud of what he's achieved and what he can achieve in the future."

Since making his debut in 2009, Picken has become a key contributor for the Dogs after the Magpies opted not to recruit him under the father-son rule.

After failing to amass 30 possessions or more in game in his first six seasons at Whitten Oval, his reincarnation over past two seasons has seen him reach the coveted mark six times without neglecting his defensive responsibilities.

Having recently turned 30 with 173 games under his belt, Picken is showing no signs of slowing down as his body is feeling as good as it ever has.

He puts his vitality down to a sound preparation and a fulfilling family life that gives him balance with the rigors of being a professional footballer.

And with the Bulldogs having a rich history of sons taking after their fathers, a third generation of Picken could be standing on opponents' shoulders in the not too distant future.

"My eldest boy Malachy is five and he absolutely loves footy and he's out in the backyard every day kicking the footy," Picken said.

"I think one of the good things about having kids is the enjoyment they give you away from football.

"It's good to be able to take your mind off footy and relax with your family at home."

[Twodogs]

How lucky were we that Liam Picken virtually fell into our lap? Even his wage was paid for us in his rookie year.

[strebla]

He is an absolute ripper I love him to bits. As an aside was Snr in some way a Sth Melb boy through his dad or Grandad ???

[Twodogs]

He is an absolute ripper I love him to bits. As an aside was Snr in some way a Sth Melb boy through his dad or Grandad ???

Billy played at Sydney for a bit in the Edelsten years. Went back to Collingwood in the end I think.

[Ghost Dog]

So similar, Sandy Roberts finds them hard to tell apart. Here comes Billy!

[Twodogs]

Must have been horrible enough going back with the flight of the ball back then without hearing "HERE COMES BILLY" behind you somewhere.

[bulldogtragic]

Career Best 3 goals tonight. Great work Billy, Marcus or even Liam Pickenering. Call him what you like commentators, but you will be calling a lot of him as per the last two weeks!

[bornadog]

Must have been horrible enough going back with the flight of the ball back then without hearing "HERE COMES BILLY" behind you somewhere.

How gutsy was Liam when he marked that ball with Bruest coming the other way.

[bulldogtragic]

How gutsy was Liam when he marked that ball with Bruest coming the other way.

How bad was it he didn't get a 50? Liam is in white hot form and I'm loving his work.

[EasternWest]

How bad was it he didn't get a 50? Liam is in white hot form and I'm loving his work.

I thought it was ok personally. I thought Bruest was only marginally late and probably couldn't have stopped himself.