THEY say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and in Bulldog Liam Picken's case, that old saying is once again ringing true.

A hard-nosed tagger in his previous incarnation as a League footballer, Luke Beveridge's arrival at Whitten Oval two years ago has seen Picken rediscover the attacking traits he inherited from his father Billy – a high-flying Collingwood great. 

As a centre-half-back in the 70s and 80s, Billy was renowned for his spectacular marking and it's a trait that has crept back into Liam's game after lying dormant since junior football.

The midfielder could have three mark of the year nominations to his name in 2016, after he nearly hit his head on the Etihad Stadium roof attempting an enormous hanger in round two against St Kilda.

"I was disappointed to drop that one against the Saints earlier this year, but I think I was surprised I was up so high," Picken told AFL.com.au.

"I do enjoy flying for marks because it's good to be able to run and jump at the footy. 

"I'm allowed to go for them as long as I don't jump into one of our big boys." 

Billy isn't surprised his youngest son is starting to put together a highlights reel to rival his own, as he first noticed an offensive flair in Liam during his junior footy days.

While a fierce desire to compete was a constant staple of his game, he recalls Liam "always being good in the air and strong overhead".

Running a farm in country Victoria, Billy barely misses a game Liam plays and the family will be on hand in Perth when the Bulldogs face the Eagles in Thursday's cut-throat elimination final.

"I coached Liam when he was younger and he was a very attacking player then," Billy said.

"It's always been in his armory and now he's been given a chance now to carry it out. 

"I can't take any credit for that because Liam is a totally different player to me.

"I'm just really proud of what he's achieved and what he can achieve in the future."

Since making his debut in 2009, Picken has become a key contributor for the Dogs after the Magpies opted not to recruit him under the father-son rule. 

After failing to amass 30 possessions or more in game in his first six seasons at Whitten Oval, his reincarnation over past two seasons has seen him reach the coveted mark six times without neglecting his defensive responsibilities.

But more importantly for the Dogs, Picken sits equal-16th in the AFL this season for goal assists – something the club has struggled with in recent times.

"I think (efficiency up forward) comes down to good decision-making and confidence," Picken said.

"In the past month the side is really improving in that department and it's one of those things that (is) going to keep evolving and hopefully it clicks for us."

Kicking a winning score against a resurgent West Coast isn't going to be easy, and the tough task has seen the bookmakers install the Eagles a clear-cut favourite to end the Bulldogs' season in the first week of finals for the second straight year. 

Their recent record at Domain Stadium gives the bookies' view plenty of weight, as the Dogs haven't won in the west since round one, 2009 – the week before Picken's AFL debut.

"It's a stat I was thinking about the other day," Picken said.

"I think over the past few years West Coast and Fremantle have been really strong and we've just always been edged out.

"We're confident we can win because when you get to the finals it's a whole new season."

Having recently turned 30 with 172 games under his belt, Picken is showing no signs of slowing down as his body is feeling as good as it ever has. 

He puts his vitality down to a sound preparation and a fulfilling family life that gives him balance with the rigors of being a professional footballer.

And with the Bulldogs having a rich history of sons taking after their fathers, a third generation of Picken could be standing on opponents' shoulders in the not too distant future.

"My eldest boy Malachy is five and he absolutely loves footy and he's out in the backyard every day kicking the footy," Picken said.

"I think one of the good things about having kids is the enjoyment they give you away from football.

"It's good to be able to take your mind off footy and relax with your family at home."