The good, the not so good, the exhilarating, the heartbreaking… we’ve taken a look at the Moments That Mattered during the AFL season.
From now until the full playing group returns for the start of pre-season on November 25, westernbulldogs.com.au will count down 19 moments that had a big impact in 2019.
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Three premiership players called time on their careers in 2019.
Liam Picken, Tom Boyd and Dale Morris announced their retirements during the season, after making significant contributions to the red, white and blue cause.
Picken was the first to hang up the boots.
Ongoing concussion symptoms had impacted the 198-gamer for more than 12 months, and after valiant attempts to make a comeback, Picken hung up the boots.
He was joined by his three children for a lap of honour ahead of the Bulldogs’ round three clash with the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium.
It was a career of perseverance, determination and absolute physical and mental determination – much like that of fellow retiree Dale Morris.
After – yet again – fighting to overcome a serious injury, Morris’ knee gave way in his AFL comeback match in round 19 against Fremantle.
Both he and Picken had to fight just to get on an AFL list.
And the 253-game defender became one of his Club’s most decorated players.
With his injury requiring a full knee reconstruction, Morris announced his retirement the week after the Bulldogs cemented their finals berth.
His finals moment – which also featured Tom Boyd – will forever live in the memories of Bulldogs supporters.
Morris’ tackle sparked the moment that will never be forgotten. Tom Boyd’s goal.
Boyd’s retirement came in May, with the physical toll of a debilitating back injury and the emotional toll of the game leading him to retire at just 23.
All three were honoured – alongside long-serving club doctor Jake Landsberger – at the Charles Sutton Medal at season’s end.
They have all made a lasting contribution to our football club.
Counting down the 2019 Moments That Mattered…
#9 THE COMEBACK
#10 THE RE-SIGNINGS
#11 THE HEARTBREAK
#12 THE HANGER
#13 THE TENSE FINISH
#14 THE UPSET
#15 THE ALL AUSTRALIANS
#16 THE RISING STAR
#17 THE FIGHTBACK
#18 THE DEBUTANTS
#19 THE MIGHT OF THOR