Picken retiring ?

[merantau]

If you want to see the epitome of 'heart and soul and 'never give up look no further.

https://youtu.be/WDf144YrVdk

Big thanks to All's Highlights.

[bornadog]

If you want to see the epitome of 'heart and soul and 'never give up look no further.



Big thanks to All's Highlights.

That is just brilliant, thank you

[EasternWest]

That is just brilliant, thank you

What a super player.

[Scraggers]

If you want to see the epitome of 'heart and soul and 'never give up look no further.

https://youtu.be/WDf144YrVdk

Big thanks to All's Highlights.

Thanks so much for posting ... there was definitely onions being cut as I watched the clip. It brought back such great memories of taking my son to the game in Perth and watching Picken dominate; or knowing my team was just about to win a Grand Final as Picken kicks the ball into the third tier of the Great Southern Stand. My lasting memory of Picko will be that mark in the GF ... Picken from behind, Picken from behind.

Thank you Liam (Mr. September ... and that one day in October) MVP of the 2016 Finals Campaign.

[bornadog]

How a real estate agent kick-started Liam Picken’s AFL career


If a real estate agent hadn’t run into a shrewd coach in a schoolyard, Liam Picken’s celebrated career may not have happened.
In the week Picken sadly retired with concussion, his path to the Bulldogs is worth recalling.

The real estate agent in question, well-known inner-west property guru Craig Stephens, is happy to tell the yarn.

“As a Bulldogs fan, I spotted the then-coach Rodney Eade in the school ground. Our daughters were at the same school, and being a real estate agent, I slipped him a business card,” Stephens recalled.

“I simply said: ‘Rocket, If you need a hand with anything, I’m here to help.”
A few days later, Eade called.

It was 2009, the Dogs were tight for cash, and had never had the ability to exploit the rookie draft. “Rocket” Eade did have a job for Stephens.

“Rocket said we’d never had a rookie, and now we had the opportunity. He’d spoken to the footy manager James Fantasia and they asked if I could help raise $80,000 to fund the drafting of two rookies,” Stephens said.

Stephens had less than two weeks to get it done.

The Dogs had just finished their new facility. There was some real novelty factor about it, so Stephen organised sportsman’s night to lure a few diehards along.

Pies and beer, Simon Beasley and John Schultz … and about 200 diehards turned up.
Being an auctioneer, Stephens went to work.

After raiding the property steward’s room, grabbing an old pair of Chris Grant’s boots and getting them signed, Stephens auctioned them off.

Even Grant’s jockstrap was up for auction, along with a share in a racehorse that never managed to race after suffering a heart complaint.

The night managed to raise $62,000. The Dogs were in business.

In those days a rookie cost $40,000. The first was paid for. The second would be split 50/50 between the Dogs and VFL club Williamstown, who were keen to promote and foster a pathway into the AFL for their youngsters.

With the first pick, the Dogs took Jamason Daniels. He was handy, but didn’t play a single game of AFL.
Right now, Daniels is coaching Tatura in the Goulburn Valley League in country Victoria.

With the second pick, $20,000 each supplied by the Dogs and Willy, a young bloke named Liam Picken was drafted.

Jamason Daniels didn't play a single AFL game.
Daniels was the main prize, Picken effectively the bonus set of steak knives.

If the daughters of Stephens and Eade didn’t attend the same private school, that may never have happened.

[bornadog]

Another very good story on Picken and what he gave up to become an AFL footballer.

click heading Picken up the pace

It's from 2009, but sets the scene for his career

[comrade]

Chris Grant’s jock strap helped us win a flag.

[Topdog]

The twitter thread from his wife was great reading as well.

[chef]

Is he doing a lap before the game this week?

[bornadog]

Is he doing a lap before the game this week?

Good point, will ask the question.

[merantau]

There is one piece of play that Liam was involved in that typified how special a player he was and I think those who saw it will never forget it.
It was at Etihad early in 2017 in the GF replay against the Swans. It was late in the last quarter. Liam got the ball out wide in our defensive 50. He took off and kicked an outrageous sideways kick into space on the opposite side of the ground which I think Lachie Hunter ran on to. The ball was booted forward to a contest where a Swan' s player dropped a mark. We got the ball and it was booted to half forward and Liam Bob's up to outmark his Swans opponent. He quickly booted to ball to Bont who was one out at the top of the square. Bont beat his opponent pointless, strode in and booted the ball into Southern Cross Station. Game over.
How the hell Liam got up the ground so quick I'll never know. What a great player.

[bornadog]

There is one piece of play that Liam was involved in that typified how special a player he was and I think those who saw it will never forget it.
It was at Etihad early in 2017 in the GF replay against the Swans. It was late in the last quarter. Liam got the ball out wide in our defensive 50. He took off and kicked an outrageous sideways kick into space on the opposite side of the ground which I think Lachie Hunter ran on to. The ball was booted forward to a contest where a Swan' s player dropped a mark. We got the ball and it was booted to half forward and Liam Bob's up to outmark his Swans opponent. He quickly booted to ball to Bont who was one out at the top of the square. Bont beat his opponent pointless, strode in and booted the ball into Southern Cross Station. Game over.
How the hell Liam got up the ground so quick I'll never know. What a great player.

Check out post #67 with vision.

[bornadog]

Is he doing a lap before the game this week?

Will be honored on Sunday with a tribute.

[KT31]

Will be honored on Sunday with a tribute.

More like, we will be honered to pay tribute to Picko.

[bornadog]

LIAM PICKEN TRIBUTE


Bulldogs’ premiership star Liam Picken will be farewelled at Marvel Stadium this Sunday with a lap of honour before the match.


Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 1.45pm for the lap, which starts at 1.50pm.


Dogs fans can also get their hands on a free Liam Picken poster before the match from the Club Hub, located outside Gate 5 (stock is limited).