Ever durable since his debut season ten years ago, Liam Picken was unable to make a senior appearance in 2018 as he battled several ailments following numerous concussion incidents. Most recently, he led the club goalkicking as a forward during the 2017 season. Picken is still suffering from the build up of concussion incidents and has been unable to complete an uninterrupted preseason. The veteran is in uncharted territory and thus it remains to be seen whether a return to action will be possible. Now the wrong side of 30, time is against the Bulldog to return.
Can't pick him, sadly
Ever durable since his debut season ten years ago, Liam Picken was unable to make a senior appearance in 2018 as he battled several ailments following numerous concussion incidents. Most recently, he led the club goalkicking as a forward during the 2017 season. Picken is still suffering from the build up of concussion incidents and has been unable to complete an uninterrupted preseason. The veteran is in uncharted territory and thus it remains to be seen whether a return to action will be possible. Now the wrong side of 30, time is against the Bulldog to return.
Picken pockets for fun
The longer 2017 went on, the closer Liam Picken seemed to start to goal, so much so that he ended up winning the club goalkicking with 24.14. That was terrible for the club as it was their lowest winning total since 1989, but it highlights how much the Dogs relied on him, especially in the second half of the year when he booted four bags of three or more goals. He did not kick a goal against a finalist in his last eight attempts. Is Picken the new Toby Greene? Greene's starting position is usually on the flank, whereas Picken drifted towards the pocket or the square. In the fully-staffed forward line the Dogs will hopefully roll out for round 1, he won't be the focal point any more, and would have to feed off scraps if he stayed there. A close watch in the JLT is essential, as his forward eligibility makes him very interesting if he returns to midfield where he has averaged a ton before.
