Each week Liam Picken is faced with a tough task, curbing the influence of the league’s best small forwards and the small defender wouldn’t have it any other way.

The 27-year-old has made the position his own this season, shutting down his direct opponent but also finding the ball himself — averaging six more possessions than last season.

“This year it’s been really good playing in the backline… It’s a real challenging role, just like the midfield – obviously you get a new opponent every week,” Picken said.

“You have to be switched on or you are going to get goals kicked on you if you’re not up to it.”

Touting Cyril Rioli and his round two match up Lindsay Thomas as some of his most formidable opponents, Picken said preparation and persistence is key.

“Obviously [Thomas] is so dangerous, so he only needs a couple of kicks and he can kick so many goals really quickly, so you’ve got to be on your toes,” he said.

“Also Cyril Rioli, he is just explosive with his pace - those are some of the games that you look forward to, there are so many small forwards playing now… every side’s got a couple.

“You’ve got to do a lot of homework and you sort of get yourself ready for the game because you know how dangerous he is.”

With another tough assignment looming against Adelaide on Sunday, Picken said he was certain the Bulldogs could put in a strong performance and continue to show improvement.

“I think it’s just confidence in the way we’re playing,” he said.

“The side is full of a lot of young, exciting players… but I think it’s just that confidence in the game style.”