WESTERN Bulldogs forward Liam Picken will miss the remainder of the 2018 season as he continues his recovery from a concussion sustained in February.

The premiership star has been sidelined since he collided with teammate Josh Dunkley in the JLT Community Series clash against Hawthorn, and had shown continual improvement with his symptoms, with both the club medical staff and specialists happy with his progress towards full recovery.

Picken resumed full training two months ago and has shown no ill effects from his workload, but he will still need to successfully complete extensive clinical measures before he can return to the field.

The 31-year-old said he was confident of a successful 2019 campaign.

"I'm encouraged by the progress I've made and I'm very lucky to have been looked after by such a great team of medical experts,” Picken said.

"I have been blown away by the support of my family, teammates, the club, and by all of the messages I've received from Bulldogs fans and the wider football community.

"I will take the extra time to dedicate to my recovery and will now look ahead to next season."

Picken, a former rookie, is only two games short of bringing up his 200th game for the Bulldogs.