tim.doutre@starnewsgroup.com.au



IT WAS veteran against debutant when Western Bulldogs’ Liam Picken was elevated off the rookie list to take on North Melbourne captain Brent Harvey in their teams’ round two clash at the MCG – and it was the first-gamer who came out on top.

Picken had the shut-down role on Harvey, who finished with 18 disposals, well below his usual output.

For the former Williamstown Seagull, curbing the influence of one of the game’s most experienced midfielders was a minor victory that paled in comparison to his team getting up by 15 points.

“I just tried to keep him quiet,” he said. “We were lucky enough to win so hopefully it helped the team to keep his influence down.

“I got told I was playing on him and my role was just trying to keep him quiet.

“Not really (over-awed by the role), I was just trying to concentrate.

“He was pretty quiet on the field, a bit talkative to his team mates and stuff.”

Picken got the news on the Wednesday that he would be making his AFL debut in the season proper (he played in the Bulldogs clash with Essendon in the NAB Cup) but any celebrations were short-lived as the reality of the task at hand set in.

“I got told I was going to be upgraded and playing it was exciting to find out that you were playing your first AFL game but you have to concentrate on the role you fill for your team because you could lose that opportunity so quickly.”

All in all though it was a successful debut with critics lauding Picken’s performance on Harvey. Eade, talking before the Bulldogs’ Easter match against Richmond praised Picken.

“Liam was given a job for his first game and did very well,” he said.

“Obviously the conditions may have helped him but having said that he’s a strong-minded young lad and he’s got a lot of character and his fitness levels are good, his concentration is good I would think everything being equal he would play again this weekend.”

Picken said at no point during the game did he stop to take in the atmosphere at the MCG – he was too busy concentrating. Even when the final siren sounded his mind wandered to the next round.

“You are sort of in the zone trying to do your role and concentrate (but) when you are walking off you soak it in that you’ve won so that was good.

“As soon as the siren went you concentrate on the recovery and getting the body right for the next week.

“ I have identified a few areas I need to improve so its just getting on the training track and working on the deficiencies looking forward to try and train hard and push myself and put my name up for selection.”

Williamstown coach Brad Gotch said there was an air of excitement around Williamstown Football Club when they heard of Picken’s pending debut game.

“Everyone is stoked that he got the opportunity and to play on a bloke like Harvey and do a good job, I have been involved in footy for 10 years now with Collingwood and the Bulldogs and I can’t remember anyone holding Harvey.

“To have the quickness, the diligence and to be hard working enough to hold him up.

“It is a great thing for the VFL competition to see a guy who has battled for four years and has never given up.

“It is going to give a lot of help to other boys too I think. They (AFL) are going to have to start looking elsewhere … with the compromised draft coming up.”