Since debuting in 2009, Liam Picken’s attack and aggression on the football has been a hallmark of his game, but for a player frequently found in harm’s way he’s proven to be more durable than most.

Picken has played 133 out of a possible 142 matches for the Dogs in that time, finding consistency over his first seven years at the Club.

At 28 however, Picken has played less matches than most at his age.

By comparison, Essendon’s Brent Stanton (230 matches), Adelaide’s Eddie Betts (210) and Hawthorn’s Jordan Lewis (221) were all born in the same year as Picken.

However the Dogs’ midfielder says having started later than most, it’s allowed his body to reach its’ peak later than others.

“Obviously my body feels pretty good… I was pretty lucky I started when I was 22 so I was bit more mature when I started,” said Picken earlier this week, speaking with SEN.

“I didn’t get knocked around as a youngster so I think that’s played in my favour and it’s worked out well.”

Picken is enjoying a new role under senior coach Luke Beveridge and has been given more licence to find the football, while still focusing on his defensive game.

He made the most of his opportunity on the weekend, amassing a career-high 29 disposals in the Dogs’ win over Adelaide, while collecting seven marks, four tackles and a goal.

“It’s a different system, we’ve got a lot of the same assistant coaches and I think it’s a little more of taking the game on.

“Being positive with the ball and obviously a lot small things changed to our game plan so obviously it’s having an impact at the moment.”