Liam Picken’s future cloudy with Western Bulldog still suffering from headaches

The future of Western Bulldogs forward Liam Picken remains unclear, with the premiership star revealing to Chris Cavanagh he is still experiencing headaches almost a year on from his most recent concussion.

Liam Picken’s future is still cloudy as he continues to battle headaches caused by past concussion. Picture: Getty Images

The future of Western Bulldogs forward Liam Picken remains unclear, with the premiership player revealing he is still experiencing headaches more than 11 months on from his most recent concussion.

Picken has not played since being knocked out in a marking contest during a pre-season match against Hawthorn on March 3 last year and is still yet to take part in full training.

The 32-year-old told the Herald Sun yesterday the debilitating headaches were yet to go away and would not say whether he expected to return to the field this year, only that he had his “fingers crossed”.

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Liam Picken’s future is still cloudy as he continues to battle headaches caused by past concussion. Picture: Getty Images

“I’m hoping to get better and then all things to fall into place,” Picken said.

“I’m still getting headaches. That’s the main issue, so I’ve got to work through them and just continue get better and get rid of the headaches.

“I’m still on the sidelines (for training) just trying to work through that and I’ll be guided by the medical experts and just follow their advice.”

Asked if the headaches had improved in recent months, Picken said “I don’t want to get into the technicalities, I just want to focus on getting better”.

Picken, who attended the Bulldogs’ training camp on the Sunshine Coast last month, said he had enjoyed what training he had been able to complete and there was a good vibe around the club that the side could bounce back after finishing 13th last year.

“It’s been really enjoyable to do pre-season and have a bit of fun with the boys and that,” he said.

Picken suffered injury during last year’s JLT Cup competition. Picture: Getty Images

“Training’s been really good and everyone’s really positive. We’ve got a lot of new guys and I think everyone’s really hopeful for the year ahead. It’s exciting.”

Picken, who helped launch the Premier’s Active April alongside wife Annie Nolan and son Malachy today, said his family had been key in helping him through his difficult time.

The couple also have two other children, five-year-old twins Delphi and Cheska.

“Annie and the family’s been so good,” Picken said.

“It’s always good to get home from training and have a bit of fun as a family. I think the support of your family is always key.”

Picken, who has played 198 AFL games, is out of contract at the end of this year.

The Bulldogs meet Gold Coast Suns in their first pre-season match in Mackay on March 3.

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