The mood was obviously sombre in the Western Bulldogs rooms after a tough loss to the in-form Greater Western Sydney Giants at Spotless Stadium Homebush. Players and support staff moved quietly about and nothing much was spoken. A few players sat quietly in the obligatory post-game ice baths that must be sheer torture any time, but especially after an on the road loss. Who said AFL football was glamorous?! The only thing welcome was the hot, after match food which was enjoyed by all after a tough day in the Bulldog office.

Liam Picken was kind enough to share a few words with us after the game and he was obviously disappointed with the loss. He gave no excuses, but remained upbeat for the coming game against his father’s former side in Collingwood who seem to have gained some promising form. Liam played a very serviceable game in a losing side amassing 22 disposals with 11 of those being contested possessions. He’s in the top 100 AFL midfielder rankings sitting in 89th place out of a possible 671 rankings and is definitely a key component of the Bulldogs attacking structure. The Dogs finals chances will be greatly enhanced if he can continue his consistent form as witnessed in season 2016.

-Many thanks to Denis Bicer, the excellent Head of Communications for the Western Bulldogs in helping organize the interview with Liam. Cheers Denis.