Western Bulldogs captain Easton Wood has paid tribute to retiring teammate Liam Picken, hoping his journey can inspire the team throughout 2019.

Wood and Picken have spent the past decade together in red, white and blue, playing alongside each other in the Club’s 2016 premiership triumph.

“He’s so well-loved within these four walls,” Wood told media at VU Whitten Oval on Monday.

“You’d find it hard to find a better teammate over the journey, he’s given it absolutely everything, his heart and soul. He was the most reliable person I think I’ve ever played with.

“It’s really sad to see him hang them up, particularly in the circumstances.

PICKEN CALLS TIME ON HIS CAREER

“He’s off into the next chapter of his life with some excitement, but it’s sad not to be able to play with him again.”

Wood said the inspirational Bulldog’s farewell had been emotional, as he told the playing group of his decision.

“Absolutely… Picko had his whole family there, he’s got his two daughters and little Malachy,” Wood said.

“Malachy was emotional, I think he was super keen on running out through the banner with his Dad on his 200^th, obviously he fell two short. That’s super hard to see.

“It’s always disappointing for it to happen in these circumstances…. It felt like Picko had a fair bit left to give, but for that unfortunate injury.”

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The Bulldogs’ skipper is confident Picken’s attitude will stay with the group.

“Certainly we’ll be trying to pick out Picko’s spirit that he’s embodied throughout his journey,” Wood said.

“Playing with that edge, and playing with that freedom that he explored in those last few years. 

“We saw him rise to great heights from being that tagger, then becoming this hugely influential midfielder-come-forward, taking hangers and kicking goals. Inspiring not only his teammates but the Bulldogs faithful, who just absolutely love him to death as do we.”