Western Bulldogs midfielder Liam Picken played a starring role, which included a fourth-quarter highlight reel, as the AFL battler broke through for its first premiership in 62 years.

Picken capped off his rise from overlooked son-of-a-gun to flag hero with 25 disposals and three goals in the Dogs’ fairytale 22-point win over Sydney.

He called on his 176 games of experience in the final term to lift the Dogs to heights they haven’t felt since their one premiership, way back in 1954.

A running goal at the 26-minute mark put the Dogs 21 points clear.

"I thought 30 minutes of pain, I've just got to put the head down and the whole team did,” Picken said.

“We were doing everything right in the last quarter, all the little things and that's what got us over the line.

"I can't really believe what's happened. It's so much hard work, to come out of the other end and win this, it's bloody amazing.”

Picken, who landed at the Dogs via VFL club Williamstown in 2009, has achieved a feat his father Billy fell short of four times during his distinguished Collingwood career.

”Dad didn't have much luck in grand finals but the amount of support mum and dad have given me over the years - they travel four hours just to get to the game one way, so I am just so happy to enjoy it with them,” he said.

Picken hopes to celebrate the Bulldogs’ success in Hamilton. "I had some of my best days growing up there and that was my last premiership (with Hamilton Magpies),” he said.