Collingwood has paid tribute to one of the club’s greatest players, Billy Picken, who has died aged 66.
Key points:
- Picken played 212 matches for the Magpies
- He appeared in five grand finals, including 1977’s draw
- Picken was a two-time winner of the Magpies’ best and fairest award
Picken was a member of the Collingwood Team of the Century, having played 212 matches for the Magpies after debuting in 1974.
He also played 28 matches for the Sydney Swans.
Described by Collingwood as a “dashing defender”, Picken won All Australian honours in 1983 and twice claimed the Magpies’ best and fairest award, the Copeland Trophy.
He played in five grand finals for the Magpies, including 1977’s draw.
Picken’s son Liam was a member of the Western Bulldogs’ 2016 premiership-winning team.
“Billy was a spectacular player, a dashing defender who could take a big grab and a player who performed extraordinarily in finals matches,” Collingwood president Jeff Browne said in a statement.
“Soon after making his debut, Billy became a fan favourite with many Collingwood supporters wearing the number 25 on the back of their Black and White jumpers and duffle coats.
“He will be remembered as one of the best-ever players to represent the Collingwood Football Club and one of the greatest centre half-backs of his generation.”
The Magpies will wear black armbands in Sunday’s match against Essendon at the MCG in honour of both Picken and Con Britt, who died on Saturday.
Britt played 110 matches for the Magpies between 1966 and 1973.
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
