When Western Bulldogs supporters think of Liam Picken, there’s no doubt that famous month in September – and one day in October – immediately comes to mind.
Twenty-three disposals and two goals in an elimination final against West Coast.
Twenty-four disposals and three goals in a semi-final against Hawthorn.
Twenty-one disposals in a preliminary final against GWS Giants.
Twenty-five disposals and three goals, on the MCG, in the big dance against the Sydney Swans.
Player of the finals for the Bulldogs, as they broke a 62-year premiership drought in the most extraordinary of circumstances.
Plus all the pressure acts, tackles and one-percenters that Bulldogs fans saw delivered in spades over that month, and a 10-year career.
A player who has embodied the Bulldog spirit throughout his 198-game career.
Who has had to do it the hard way – from earning his AFL opportunity after being drafted in 2009 as a mature-aged, rookie list player from the VFL.
From starting his career as a tagger, to finishing it with a premiership medal and a highlights reel the envy of many.
“It’s just a rollercoaster,” Picken told former teammate Bob Murphy after retiring.
“When I first got to the club, I was a rookie list player. To be able to get that opportunity, and people put that faith in me, it was just an amazing journey.
“Obviously the grand final was the pinnacle, but the journey and memories I had from when I got there was very special.
“I reflect all the time and I remember when I used to go to training that was in my mind, the opportunity.
“Not many people get this opportunity, so you’ve just got to grab it with two hands.
“There’s a lot of bumps along the way, but I think that builds you up and makes you into the footy player you wish you could be.”
For Picken, the joy of 2016 – not just for himself and his teammates, but the Bulldogs community – is something he will cherish.
“I think it was just this unique feeling we’ve got as a footy club,” Picken said.
“We were the underdogs and we hadn’t won a flag for so long, and it felt like the whole western suburbs just got behind us. There was huge momentum behind us.
“The memories I have with my teammates, people around the Club and people around the local villages was just amazing – to make them happy, it means a lot to us all.”
