Even a Western Bulldogs immortal is human when it comes to repeated AFL concussions.
Forward Liam Picken, a hero of the Bulldogs' storied 2016 finals campaign that culminated in their drought-breaking premiership, is the latest player forced into retirement because of head knocks.
The 32-year-old has not played any football since his latest concussion in a pre-season game more than 12 months ago.
In 2017, he also suffered a heavy head knock during an early-season match.
Coach Luke Beveridge had feared as early as a year ago that Picken might not play again.
On Monday, the Bulldogs confirmed that Picken had decided to retire after failing to overcome his ongoing concussion symptoms.
In a video interview, former Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy lauded Picken as a club immortal and Beveridge also heaped praise on the 198-game player.
Picken joined the Bulldogs through their rookie list and originally made his name as a tagger, before Beveridge played him regularly in attack.
He kicked three goals in their grand final win over Sydney and was the Bulldogs' joint leading goalkicker the following season.
"For the duration of his career, Liam has embodied the core values we hold dear as a football club, and we will miss his presence greatly," Beveridge said.
But Beveridge added the No.1 priority now is for Picken to regain his health.
"I've tried everything and tried to get back and play, but unfortunately I just didn't make it," Picken said.
"It's really knocked me around - the concussions just continue to linger and unfortunately it's still hanging around now," Picken said.
"I'm just going to try everything to get it right."
Picken spoke of his mixed emotions - disappointment that he cannot keep playing, but great pride in his career and gratitude for the opportunity, as well as singling out his wife Annie for her support.
Picken has strong AFL bloodlines - dad Billy was a Collingwood star and his brother Marcus also played senior football.
His cousin is Brisbane great Jonathan Brown, another player forced to retire because of problems stemming from concussion.
Bulldogs football boss Chris Grant said they will continue to support Picken with his health and post-football career.
RECENT AFL RETIREMENTS BECAUSE OF CONCUSSION
Liam Picken (198 games WB, retired 2019)
Jack Frost (56, Coll, Bris '18)
Koby Stevens (91 WB, StK, '18)
Sean Dempster (222 Syd, StK, '17)
Jack Fitzpatrick (26 Melb, Haw, '17)
Heritier Lumumba (223 Coll, Melb, '16)
Sam Shaw (24 Adel, '16)
Leigh Adams (104 NM, '15)
Sam Blease (34 Melb, Geel, '15)
Justin Clarke (56 Bris, '15)
Matt Maguire (170 StK, Bris, '15)
Jonathan Brown (256 Bris, '14).
