Former club captain Bob Murphy doesn’t believe we’ll see Liam Picken don a Western Bulldogs guernsey again.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said earlier in the week that it’s unlikely we’ll see Picken again this year and Murphy thinks that points to the end for the premiership player.
“If the club is publicly talking about it, that we mightn’t see him again this year, I would doubt that we’ll see him again which would be an absolute tragedy for Liam and for all football followers,” Murphy told the AFL Nation pre-game show.
“Everyone loves the way he plays and he’s created a bit of a cult following and he’s a hell of a decent human being, but that doesn’t sound great at all.”
Murphy was taken aback by the serious symptoms created by Picken’s concussion issues.
“Hearing things like the confusion of simple handball drills was enough for Liam to remove himself from those situations and then loud music as well, that kind of jars all of us,” Murphy said.
Picken’s former captain wants Bulldogs fans and the footy community to get behind him.
“Liam performed at his best for the Bulldogs when they absolutely needed him and if you read between the lines of Luke Beveridge, it’s almost we want to thank Liam,” Murphy said.
“I think he needs to hear from the football community that he’s (reached the pinnacle) and he can put his feet up, if that’s what the medical advice is.”
The Bulldogs face Sydney at Etihad Stadium this afternoon.