THE south-west has lost a football legend after Billy Picken passed away aged 66 on Saturday.

The Macarthur export, who was named in Collingwood’s Team of the Century and played 212 games for the black and white along with 28 for Sydney.

He spent time in Tasmania coaching, before returning to the region to coach Hamilton to a Western Border Football League senior grand final in 1990, also guiding the club to Under-18 success.

The south-west product played a handful of games for Heywood before being picked up by Collingwood.

Collingwood president, Jeff Browne, paid tribute to the defender over the weekend.

“Billy was a spectacular player, a dashing defender who could take a big grab and a player who performed extraordinarily in finals matches,” he said.

“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.”

Picken changed the local football landscape, with his knowledge shared among the players across multiple coaching stints at Hamilton.

Hamilton Kangaroos chairman, Lachy Patterson said Picken’s death would be felt throughout the club.

“Obviously Bill had a long association with the Hamilton Magpies as a coach and player, but more so as a mentor to lots of young players at the club.

“That is something which has continued since the merger and it has been absolutely fantastic to have Bill around the Kangaroos and we are extremely saddened by his passing.

“His son, Sean, plays in our reserves team, his grandsons are playing in the Greater South West Junior Football League and our thoughts are with them and the wider family.”