The Collingwood Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former players Billy Picken and Con Britt.
The Club extends its sincere condolences to the families and friends of Picken and Britt.
Born in 1956, Billy made his debut for Collingwood in Round Five, 1974 against rival Carlton and he went on to play 212 games for the Magpies, kicking 46 goals during a career that spanned 11 seasons.
A member of the Collingwood Team of the Century, Billy was a dashing defender who could take a spectacular mark. One of the most popular and beloved players to ever play for Collingwood, Billy was a two-time winner of the E.W. Copeland Trophy (1978 and 1983) and was also selected as an All Australian in 1983.
One of the game’s great characters, Billy ranks alongside Dick Lee, Ron Todd and Jeremy Howe as the most prolific and spectacular high marking players that Collingwood has ever known.
Recruited from Golden Point in the Ballarat Football League, Con Britt made his debut in Round 16, 1966 and went on to play 110 games in the black and white stripes, kicking 72 goals.
A fierce competitor, Con was awarded the Most Determined Player in 1972.
On behalf of the Club, President Jeff Browne paid tribute to both former players.
“The Collingwood Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Billy Picken and Con Britt and we extend our condolences to their families and friends,” Mr Browne said.
“Billy was a spectacular player, a dashing defender who could take a big grab and a player who performed extraordinarily in finals matches.
“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.
“Con Britt was a skilful player who spent most of his career across the half forward line and along the wing. He was fast and strong with his attack on the football impressing Collingwood supporters.
“Despite retiring at the age of 26 due to a career-ending knee injury, Con will be remembered as a whole-hearted player who gave his all every time he pulled on the number 27 guernsey.”
The thoughts of Collingwood players, coaches and staff are with the Picken and Britt families and their loved ones during this time. The Magpies will wear black armbands in honour of both players in their Round 19 match against Essendon at the MCG to be played on Sunday, July 24.
Side by Side.
BILLY PICKEN ACHIEVEMENTS
212 games, 46 goals for Collingwood (1974 – 1983, 1986)
28 games for the Sydney Swans (1984 – 1985) before returning to Collingwood in 1986.
CFC Hall of Fame (2006).
CFC Team of the Century (1997).
CFC Life Member (1986).
All Australian (1983).
Most Determined Player (1978).
Best Finals Player (Bob Rose Award) in 1975, 1978, 1979 and 1981.
E.W. Copeland Trophy Best and Fairest (1978, 1983).
R.T. Rush Trophy Runner Up Best and Fairest (1977, 1979, 1981).
J.J. Joyce Trophy Third Best and Fairest (1975).
VFL Reserves Best and Fairest (1975).
CON BRITT ACHIEVEMENTS
110 games, 72 goals for Collingwood.
Debuted in Round 16, 1966.
Most Determined Player in 1972.
About Billy Picken – https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/bill-picken/
About Con Britt – https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/con-britt/
