Wikipedia

Tom Liberatore

Thomas Francis Liberatore (born 16 May 1992) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Western Bulldogs in the Australian Football League (AFL). At 1.84 m (6.0 ft) and 85 kg (187 lb), he plays as a contested ball-winning midfielder who applies high amounts of pressure. He is the eldest son of former Bulldogs player Tony Liberatore.[1] He was born and raised in Melbourne, Victoria. While attending St Kevin's College he played top-level junior football with the Calder Cannons in the NAB League.

Tom Liberatore
Liberatore in August 2018
Personal information
Full name Thomas Francis Liberatore
Nickname(s) Libba
Date of birth (1992-05-16) 16 May 1992 (age 32)
Place of birth Melbourne, Victoria
Original team(s) Calder Cannons (TAC Cup)
Draft No. 40 (F/S), 2010 national draft
Debut 27 March 2011, Western Bulldogs vs. Essendon, at Docklands Stadium
Height 184 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight 85 kg (13 st 5 lb; 187 lb)
Position(s) Midfielder
Club information
Current club Western Bulldogs
Number 21
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2011– Western Bulldogs 218 (82)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of round 2, 2024.
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Liberatore was drafted with the 40th selection of the 2010 AFL draft. He made his AFL debut in the 2010 AFL season. Since then, Liberatore has been a AFL Premiership player, a Charles Sutton Medallist, a two-time Doug Hawkins Medallist, a two-time Gary Dempsey Medallist, a dual-member of the 22 Under 22 team, and the Western Bulldogs' vice-captain as of 2024.[2] He has polled a total of 50 Brownlow Medal votes in his career.

Early life and career

edit

Liberatore was born in Melbourne, Victoria. He grew up in the suburb of Essendon and played junior football for St Bernard’s Football Club. He was educated at St Kevin's College.[3] The son of Tony Liberatore, former Western Bulldogs player and Brownlow Medallist, and mother Jane,[4] he was the eldest of three children. He has a younger brother, Oliver, and a younger sister, Meg.[5] Liberatore represented Victoria at under-16 level in 2008.[6] Although he put time into cricket, playing with his school and St.Bernard's Cricket Club.[7] He was eventually drafted to the Bulldogs from the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup with the 40th selection in the 2010 AFL Draft as a father–son selection, after Sydney nominated their intention to draft him with second-round pick if available.[8] Fellow schoolmate and friend Mitch Wallis was also drafted ahead of Liberatore at pick 22, after the two had played together for St. Bernard's Junior Football Club, St Kevin's College and Calder Cannons since a young age.[9] He graduated school with a 94 on his ATAR score.[4]

He was selected in the junior All-Australian team after the 2010 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, where he had averaged 22 disposals at 72 per cent efficiency, five clearances and four tackles.[10] In the 2010 TAC Cup Grand Final, he had 28 disposals in the Cannons' 58-point defeat of Gippsland Power.[11]

AFL career

edit

2011—2014: Early career

edit

Liberatore made his debut in the Western Bulldogs' round one defeat to Essendon,[12] collecting 19 disposals, one behind and seven clearances in front of a 42,617 person crowd.[13] Liberatore gathered 28 disposals in just his second senior game ever, also laying 10 tackles,[14] a glimpse of the high pressure player he was going to become. The Western Bulldogs' 35 point win over Richmond in Round 8 showed the power Liberatore could bring to a game, after he collected 25 disposals, kicked two goals and laid six tackles.[15] Liberatore played 16 games in his debut season, averaging over 18 possessions per game and winning the Chris Grant Best First Year Player Award after an 'impressive' debut season.[16] Liberatore had a controversial 2012 season, being sanctioned by the club for drug offences after just 17 games for the season. Liberatore had one of his best games for the season in the Western Bulldogs' 38 point win over Gold Coast in round eight of the 2012 AFL season, kicking the team's opening goal and collecting 24 disposals and six tackles.[17] Liberatore broke his record for most disposals in a game after a 29 disposal haul against the Brisbane Lions in Round 13 of the 2012 AFL season.[18] On 5 August 2012, after a heavy loss to the Kangaroos in Round 19, Liberatore was found by police unconscious on King Street and was questioned about drug offences relating to the possession of what was believed to be ecstasy.[19][20][21] He was subsequently suspended for the remainder of the season by the Bulldogs. In addition, he was issued a $5,000 suspended fine, required to undergo club-driven counselling and education, and be engaged in full-time employment for the following six weeks.[22] Liberatore issued a public apology for his actions.[20] Despite missing out on five games, Liberatore came 7th in the Charles Sutton Medal voting and polled 81 votes, 87 votes behind winner Matthew Boyd.[23]

Liberatore improved in the following season, establishing himself as one of the AFL's most statistically dominant inside midfielders; he ranked first in the league for clearances[24] and second in contested possessions, behind only Sydney's Josh Kennedy. Liberatore had one of his career-best games against Melbourne in the final round of the 2013 AFL season, kicking one goal, collecting 26 disposals, and 11 tackles, just one tackle off his record at the time. He was named as best on ground for that game.[25] He also had another best on ground performance against Essendon, collecting 33 disposals, a goal, 6 tackles and 4 marks.[26] Liberatore signed a three-year contract extension with the Bulldogs in August, tying him to the club until 2016.[27] He was recognized for his impressive efforts for the season with selection in the AFL Players' Association's inaugural 22 Under 22 team. He was named as a follower alongside Tom Nicholls and Jaeger O'Meara.[28][29] He also claimed the Doug Hawkins Medal (best and fairest runner up), after polling 242 votes, just 31 votes behind winner Ryan Griffen.[30] He won the Tony Liberatore Most Improved Player award at the Bulldogs' best-and-fairest count,[30] and also polled 14 votes at the Brownlow Medal count.[31]

While 2014 was considered a tumultuous one for the Western Bulldogs, Liberatore continued his outstanding individual form, registering over 500 possessions for the second consecutive season and leading the league in tackles, tallying up an astonishing 173 tackles throughout the season, while also leading in clearances, finishing with a total of 156.[32] Liberatore had an outstanding performance against Melbourne in round eight of the 2014 AFL season, kicking two goals, collecting 27 disposals and getting a career-high 14 tackles.[33][34] He also had a great game against Collingwood in Round 13, leading the game in tackles (10), contested possessions (23), and disposals (34).[35] Liberatore was recognised for having his most successful season yet, winning his first Charles Sutton Medal. He polled 235 votes, a 67 votes ahead of second placed Jack Macrae.[36][37] He also won a plethora of other club awards, including the Scott West Most Courageous Player Award, the John Van Groningen Team First Award, and the Brad Johnson Best Team Player.[36][38] He was also named in the initial 40 man squad of the 2014 All-Australian team.[39][40] Coach Brendan McCartney praised his efforts at the end of the season, stating "He's tough, he uses the ball well, he defends and he cares deeply about this club and he's a fighter."[40]

2015—2019: Injuries and premiership glory

edit

Liberatore had an unfortunate 2015 AFL season, missing the entire season due to a shock knee injury after Richmond player Ty Vickery tackled him and his leg buckled under the weight of the tackle in the Western Bulldogs's 22 point victory over Richmond in Round 1 of the 2015 pre-season.[41][42][43] In May 2015, he signed a contract extension that kept him tied to the Bulldogs until the end of the 2018 season.[44]

Liberatore was a key driving force in the 2016 AFL season as the Bulldogs broke their 62-year premiership drought, playing 21 games over the course of the season. Liberatore kicked 14 goals over the course of the season, the most goals he kicked in a season.[45] Liberatore tied the AFL record for most tackles in one game in the Western Bulldogs's 32 point victory against Melbourne in the 8th round of the 2016 AFL season, collecting an astonishing 19 tackles over the course of the game due to the absence of running half-backs such as Bob Murphy and Jason Johannisen.[46][47] His record has only been matched by Jack Ziebell and Jude Bolton.[48][49] Coach Luke Beveridge lauded his efforts after the game, stating "We're not a huge tackling side because we are a high possession side, but that was almost a quarter of our tackles I think. It's quite extraordinary, in particular his third and fourth efforts."[50] Liberatore also had a great game against Port Adelaide in the 12th round of the season, gaining 24 disposals,[51] one goal, eight tackles and 13 clearances.[52] He went down with a syndesmosis injury in the Western Bulldogs's 25 point loss to Geelong in the 19th round of the 2016 season, alongside teammate Jack Macrae who suffered a hamstring injury.[53] To get him fit for the finals series, doctors used a rarely-used strategy involving the insertion of surgical string into his ankle in order to aid the recovery of his ankle at a quicker pace.[53] He played every game in the 2016 finals series, during that time collecting a total of 79 disposals, 22 tackles, 23 clearances and 5 marks.[54] Liberatore played in the 2016 AFL Grand Final despite an ankle injury suffered in the preliminary final the previous week, during his celebrations.[55] Just before the beginning of the Grand Final, he realised he had forgotten his boots, and had to get his housemate to retrieve them for him.[56] Liberatore just missed out on the Top 3 of the Charles Sutton Medal voting, placing 4th behind winner Marcus Bontempelli, runner up Dale Morris and third placed Lachie Hunter.[57] He also won the Scott West Most Courageous Player Award.[58]

 
Tom Liberatore during a pre-season match against Melbourne in 2017

Liberatore's form dropped off in what was to be a disappointing 2017 season for both him and the Western Bulldogs. Playing 18 games, Liberatore averaged much lower amounts of kicks, handballs, disposals, marks and goals then he had in all previous years, and critics described his season as disappointing.[59][60] Before this slump in form however, Liberatore started off the season with four solid games, getting a total of 47 tackles, 77 disposals and 2 goals. However, after these first four games he entered a period of poor form, only reaching 20 or more disposals five more times for the rest of the season. Liberatore's pressure was one of the few things keeping him in the team, averaging 6.5 tackles per game, the second best season for tackles in his career.[61] That wasn't enough for him to keep his spot in the team, and was dropped due to an incredibly poor eight disposal game against West Coast in the 8th round of the 2017 AFL season, after which coach Luke Beveridge decided he needed some time in the VFL.[62][63][64] Liberatore did not make the Top 10 of the Charles Sutton Medal voting for only the third time in his career, missing out in his debut season and in 2015.[65]

 
Tom Liberatore at training in August 2018

Liberatore had another hapless season in 2018, after he suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee in the Western Bulldogs' 82 point loss to Greater Western Sydney in the opening round of the season.[66][67][68] The club confirmed that he would sit out the entire season the next day.[69][70][71] During his rehabilitation, he took time to engage in other activities outside of football.[72] Liberatore signed a one-year contract extension at the conclusion of the season.[73][74]

2019 was another mediocre season for Liberatore, despite the Bulldogs making finals for the first time since 2016. Liberatore played 16 games, missing eight throughout the season. Liberatore played every game until a cartilage injury to his knee in the Western Bulldogs' nail-biting three-point victory over Carlton in the 13th round of the 2020 AFL season saw him miss rounds 14–17, before returning in round 18.[75][76][77] Despite initial fears that the injury was a second Anterior cruciate ligament injury, it was cleared as a more minor injury.[78][79][80] He had one of his best games for the season in the Western Bulldogs's 5 point loss against Gold Coast in the third round after a solid start to the season, where he collected 30 disposals, 9 tackles and 12 clearances, named the Bulldogs' second best behind Marcus Bontempelli.[81] He also had another great game against Hawthorn the previous round, collecting 28 disposals, one goal and seven tackles.[82] He was named as one of their best on ground.[83] For the third year in a row, Liberatore did not reach the top 10 of the Charles Sutton Medal voting.[84][85] He signed a two-year contract extension which kept him at the club until at least the end of 2021.[86][87]

2020—present: Return to form

edit

Liberatore began to improve upon his form after a chaotic year for the AFL due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He missed out on the first two rounds of the 2020 AFL season with knee soreness, the Bulldogs not taking any chances after Liberatore's history with knee injuries.[88][89] Liberatore missed the first two rounds, but came back in for the team's four goal win over Greater Western Sydney in the third round of the season.[90][91] In that game he kicked a goal after the siren at three quarter time and collected 18 disposals.[92][93] A season best game in the Western Bulldogs' six goal victory against Hawthorn in the 17th round of the season came with a 28 disposal, nine tackle performance despite the 16 minute quarters as a result of rule changes brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic.[94] He was named as one of the team's best on ground.[95] He also played a similarly impressive game in the final round of the home and away season which saw him named the Bulldogs' best on ground,[96] gathering 25 disposals, 8 tackles and 7 clearances.[97] Liberatore collected multiple awards at the conclusion of the season, including the Gary Dempsey Medal for third place in the Charles Sutton Medal voting, where he finished 45 votes behind winner Caleb Daniel and 30 votes behind captain Marcus Bontempelli.[98][99] He also won the John Van Groningen Domestique Award,[98][99] which honours the player who puts the team above all else on the field.[100] Liberatore obtained the Brad Johnson Best Team Player Award for the second time in his career.[98][99][101]

The 2021 AFL season saw Liberatore reach his best form since the 2014 season. Liberatore played his 150th game in the team's thrilling seven-point victory over West Coast in round 2.[102] Just three weeks into the season, it was revealed that Liberatore was second in the league for generating scores, behind West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui.[103] He was named one of the Bulldogs' finest players in their win over Greater Western Sydney, their sixth consecutive victory of the season.[104] His two goals late in the game helped seal the victory for the Bulldogs.[105] Liberatore had 13 clearances and 27 disposals in the team's round eight comeback win against Carlton, helping propel the team to a win–loss record of 7-1.[106] It was revealed Liberatore signed on with the Western Bulldogs for two years on 7 July 2021, tying him to the club until the end of the 2023 season.[107][108]

Liberatore was named the Western Bulldogs vice-captain in 2024 after a vote by his teammates.[109]

Statistics

edit
Statistics are correct to the end of Round 23 2022[61]
Legend
  G  
 Goals
  K  
 Kicks
  D  
 Disposals 
  T  
 Tackles
  B  
 Behinds 
  H  
 Handballs 
  M  
 Marks
  #  
 Played in that season's 
premiership team
  †  
 Led the league for 
the season
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game)
G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
2011 Western Bulldogs 21 16 4 1 119 174 293 30 77 0.3 0.1 7.4 10.9 18.3 1.9 4.8
2012 Western Bulldogs 21 17 4 1 179 172 351 64 65 0.2 0.1 10.5 10.1 20.6 3.8 3.8
2013 Western Bulldogs 21 22 3 3 285 286 571 66 137 0.1 0.1 13.0 13.0 26.0 3.0 6.2
2014 Western Bulldogs 21 22 7 5 244 278 522 61 173† 0.3 0.2 11.1 12.6 23.7 2.8 7.9
2015 Western Bulldogs 21 0 — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
2016# Western Bulldogs 21 21 14 3 172 257 429 46 114 0.7 0.1 8.2 12.2 20.4 2.2 5.4
2017 Western Bulldogs 21 18 7 4 101 209 310 36 117 0.4 0.2 5.6 11.6 17.2 2.0 6.5
2018 Western Bulldogs 21 1 — — 2 1 3 — — — — 2.0 1.0 3.0 — —
2019 Western Bulldogs 21 15 6 8 139 175 314 41 59 0.4 0.5 9.3 11.7 20.9 2.7 3.9
2020[a] Western Bulldogs 21 16 5 3 150 182 332 31 57 0.3 0.2 9.3 11.4 20.8 2.0 3.6
2021 Western Bulldogs 21 25 14 12 285 313 598 65 135 0.6 0.5 11.4 12.5 23.9 2.6 5.4
2022 Western Bulldogs 21 22 9 9 254 290 544 68 104 0.4 0.4 11.5 13.2 24.7 3.1 4.7
Career 195 73 49 1930 2337 4267 508 1038 0.3 0.2 9.8 11.9 21.8 2.6 5.3

Notes

  1. ^ The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Personal life

edit

Liberatore has one child, born in 2020. He has volunteered for a charity called Ladder, which aims to improve life for young people in Australia by working with AFL players to mentor young people.[110] He also was going through the process of setting up an app called "Busket", which aims to help buskers in the city, in order to help reduce homelessness.[111] Liberatore studied creative writing at RMIT University, and has publicly stated his admiration of the writing of Hunter S. Thompson in his studies.[111][5] Liberatore owns two pubs in Melbourne: the Ascot Vale Hotel and the Mona Castle Hotel.[112]

Honours and achievements

edit
Brownlow Medal votes
Season Votes
2011 —
2012 —
2013 14
2014 5
2015 —
2016 1
2017 —
2018 —
2019 —
2020 2
2021 4
2022 7
2023 17
Total 50

AFL

TAC Cup

References

edit
  1. ^ Vaughan, Roger (5 October 2010). "Dogs secure Wallis, Liberatore". Nine Sport News. Archived from the original on 6 October 2010. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  2. ^ “It’s extremely humbling”: Liberatore on vice-captaincy
  3. ^ "ACLs, postie vans, social work: Inside the off-centre life of a true Son of the West". westernbulldogs.com.au. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  4. ^ a b Stevenss, Mark (9 April 2011). "Tom Liberatore, the extractor". Herald Sun. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  5. ^ a b Edmund, Sam (30 September 2016). "Western Bulldog Tom Liberatore is happy marching to the beat of his own drum". Herald Sun. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  6. ^ Stevens, Mark (1 August 2008). "Tony Liberatore's son contest national championships". The Courier Mail. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  7. ^ Edwards, Nat (8 August 2010). "Moonlighting: Tom Liberatore". AFL Media. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  8. ^ Quayle, Emma (6 October 2010). "They're sons of the West". The Age. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  9. ^ Witham, Jennifer (5 October 2010). "Like father, like son". Western Bulldogs Media. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  10. ^ Draft combine: medium midfielders
  11. ^ "Wallis Impresses with 47-touch TAC Cup GF". AFL Media. SportsTG. 20 September 2010. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  12. ^ "Liberatore set to debut". Western Bulldogs Media. 24 March 2011. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  13. ^ "Essendon vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats". AFLTables. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  14. ^ "Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane Lions". AFLTables. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  15. ^ "Western Bulldogs vs Richmond". AFLTables. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  16. ^ Witham, Jennifer (8 October 2011). "Boyd claims Sutton Medal". AFL Media. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  17. ^ "Gold Coast vs Western Bulldogs". AFLTables. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  18. ^ "Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane Lions - Player Stats". AFLTables. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  19. ^ "Tom Liberatore's night started at Crown casino and the young Western Bulldogs midfielder loses big". Herald Sun. Fox Sports. 6 August 2012. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  20. ^ a b Levy, Megan; Brodie, Will (6 August 2012). "Bulldog Liberatore quizzed over drug offences". The Age. Retrieved 31 March 2019.
  21. ^ "Liberatore banned for rest of AFL season". Sports News Australia. 6 August 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  22. ^ "Liberatore suspended for rest of season". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 6 August 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  23. ^ "Boyd goes back-to-back". Western Bulldogs Media. 6 October 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  24. ^ Waterworth, Ben (13 August 2014). "Tom Liberatore, Gary Ablett, Sam Mitchell, Josh Kennedy and Joel Selwood among best AFL clearance players". PerthNow. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  25. ^ Ryan, Peter (1 September 2013). "Howe soars again as Bulldogs, Demons close out regular season". AFL Media. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  26. ^ Macgugan, Mark (14 July 2013). "Bulldogs brave, but Bombers' class shines in thrilling clash". AFL Media. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  27. ^ "Liberatore locked in until 2016". Western Bulldogs Media. 8 August 2013. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  28. ^ "Liberatore named in AFLPA 22Under22 side". Western Bulldogs Media. 11 September 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  29. ^ McInerney, Sam (10 September 2013). "2013 22under22 team announced". AFL Players Association. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  30. ^ a b "Griffen wins Sutton Medal". Western Bulldogs Media. 5 September 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  31. ^ "Brownlow Medal Leaderboard 2014". AFLTables. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  32. ^ "2014 AFL Stats Summary". AFLTables. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  33. ^ "Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats". FinalSiren.com. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  34. ^ "Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne - Player Stats". AFLTables. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  35. ^ "Collingwood vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats". afltables.com. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  36. ^ a b "Libba claims Sutton Medal". Western Bulldogs Media. 4 September 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  37. ^ Hanlon, Peter (3 September 2014). "Tom Liberatore wins Bulldogs best and fairest". The Age. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  38. ^ Landsberger, Sam (3 September 2014). "Tom Liberatore crowned Western Bulldogs' best and fairest for 2014 AFL season". Herald Sun. Retrieved 31 March 2019.
  39. ^ "Gary Ablett Jnr set for eighth successive AFL All Australian selection after making 40-man squad". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 2 September 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  40. ^ a b "Focus on '14: Tom Liberatore Season Review". Western Bulldogs Media. 6 January 2015. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  41. ^ "Tom Liberatore may miss 2015 AFL season after injuring knee in Western Bulldogs' clash with Richmond". Australia Broadcasting Corporation. 28 February 2015. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  42. ^ Connolly, Rohan (2 March 2015). "NAB Challenge 2015: Knee injuries to Tom Liberatore and Eric Mackenzie spark knee-jerk responses". The Age. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  43. ^ "Western Bulldogs' Tom Liberatore out for entire AFL season with ACL injury". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 1 March 2015. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  44. ^ Malcolm, Alex (15 May 2015). "Tom Liberatore signs new deal to stay with Western Bulldogs until 2018". AFL Media. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  45. ^ "Season review: Tom Liberatore". Western Bulldogs Media. 26 October 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  46. ^ Gleeson, Michael (15 May 2016). "Libba leads Dogs home over Demons". The Age. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  47. ^ "Tom Liberatore equals AFL tackles record as Bulldogs see off Demons". The Guardian. 15 May 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  48. ^ "Liberatore lauded for AFL tackle record". Special Broadcasting Service. 15 May 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  49. ^ Edwards, Nat (15 May 2016). "Tom Liberatore getting 'his mojo back', says Beveridge". AFL Media. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  50. ^ "Weekend rewind: Western Bulldogs v Melbourne". Western Bulldogs Media. 16 May 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  51. ^ "Fixture Flashback: Round 12, 2016". Western Bulldogs Media. 26 April 2020. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  52. ^ "Port Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats". AFLTables. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  53. ^ a b Niall, Jake (3 October 2016). "The story behind Tom Liberatore's remarkable recovery to play in 2016 AFL premiership for the Bulldogs". Fox Sports. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  54. ^ "Western Bulldogs - 2016 Game by Game Player Stats". AFLTables. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  55. ^ Schmook, Nathan (3 October 2016). "Libba plays with ankle injury after prelim twist". AFL Media. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  56. ^ Plerik, Jon (22 September 2021). "No joke: Family man Liberatore ready for Bulldogs' final challenge". The Age. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  57. ^ Landsberger, Sam (5 October 2016). "Marcus Bontempelli caps stellar 2016 season by winning Western Bulldogs best and fairest award". Herald Sun. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  58. ^ "Bontempelli caps stunning season with Sutton Medal". Western Bulldogs Media. 6 October 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  59. ^ Matthey, James (14 August 2017). "Tom Liberatore clipped by AFL greats over mystery form slump". The Australian. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  60. ^ "Your AFL club's most disappointing player in 2017". SportingNews. 19 May 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  61. ^ a b "Tom Liberatore Stats". afltables.com. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  62. ^ Beveridge, Riley (20 May 2017). "Western Bulldogs decision to drop Tom Liberatore 'has the potential to backfire', says Adam Cooney". Fox Sports. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  63. ^ Broad, Ben (18 January 2018). "Western Bulldogs coach Ashley Hansen says Tom Liberatore primed to return to his best". The Mercury. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  64. ^ McFarlane, Glenn (28 May 2017). "AFL teams Round 9: see all the ins and outs, plus get the best SuperCoach advice". News.com.au. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  65. ^ "Sutton Medal flashback - 2017". Western Bulldogs Media. 20 September 2019. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  66. ^ Caffrey, Oliver (25 March 2018). "Match report: Giants thump dismal Dogs". AFL Media. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  67. ^ Lerner, Ronny (25 March 2018). "Tom Liberatore's 2018 season in doubt after ACL rupture". The Age. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  68. ^ Helmers, Caden (25 March 2018). "AFL: Tom Liberatore ruptures ACL as GWS Giants thrash Western Bulldogs". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  69. ^ Olle, Sarah (26 March 2018). "Tom Liberatore's 2018 campaign is over, with Bulldogs confirming ACL injury". Fox Sports. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  70. ^ Cavanagh, Chris (26 March 2018). "Western Bulldogs confirm Tom Liberatore has suffered ACL injury". The Australian. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  71. ^ "Liberatore ACL confirmed". Western Bulldogs Media. 26 March 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  72. ^ Legg, Simon (17 December 2018). "Q&A — Tom Liberatore". AFL Players.
  73. ^ Waterworth, Ben (30 October 2018). "AFL news: Tom Liberatore signs new contract with Western Bulldogs". Fox Sports. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  74. ^ Colangelo, Anthony (31 August 2018). "Still sons of the west: Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore to sign on". The Age. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  75. ^ "Injury update: Tom Liberatore". Western Bulldogs Media. 16 June 2019. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  76. ^ Phelan, Jason (16 June 2019). "Bulldogs optimistic with Liberatore injury". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  77. ^ "Tom Liberatore Goes Down With A Knee Complaint". TripleM. 15 June 2019. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  78. ^ Healy, Johnathan (16 June 2019). "Dogs breathe a sigh of relief with Libba cleared of ACL damage". AFL Media. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  79. ^ Ryan, Peter; Cherny, Daniel (16 June 2019). "Knee surgery, but no ACL tear for Liberatore". The Age. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  80. ^ Cotton, Ben (16 June 2019). "Liberatore to undergo knee surgery". ZeroHanger. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  81. ^ Guthrie, Ben (7 April 2019). "Rising Suns leave Bulldogs in the shade". AFL Media. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  82. ^ "Hawthorn vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats". AFLTables. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  83. ^ Beveridge, Riley (31 March 2019). "Bulldogs storm home to stun ailing Hawks". AFL Media. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  84. ^ Bastin, Paul (2 October 2019). "Superstar Dog joins illustrious company with third B&F crown". AFL Media. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  85. ^ "Bontempelli wins third Sutton Medal". Western Bulldogs Media. 3 October 2019. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  86. ^ Gabelich, Josh (13 June 2019). "Western Bulldogs re-sign star midfielder Tom Liberatore until the end of 2021". Fox Sports. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  87. ^ "Tom Liberatore signs contract extension with the Western Bulldogs". 3AW. 13 June 2019. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  88. ^ "Report: Key bulldog to miss start of 2020 season". SEN. 26 January 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  89. ^ Harrington, Anna (5 June 2020). "Liberatore pushing for AFL R2 return". Katherine Times. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  90. ^ "Beveridge feared Liberatore wouldn't play again". SEN. 20 June 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  91. ^ Zita, David (20 June 2020). "Luke Beveridge reveals he feared star Dog would never play again". Fox Sports. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  92. ^ Beveridge, Riley (19 June 2020). "Biting back: Giants fall victim to Dog attack". AFL Media. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  93. ^ "Western Bulldogs vs Greater Western Sydney Giants - Player Stats". Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  94. ^ "Round 17 • Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs - Player Stats". Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  95. ^ Canil, Jourdan (13 September 2020). "One down, one to go: Dogs down Hawks to close on finals spot". AFL Media. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  96. ^ Beveridge, Riley (20 September 2020). "Bulldogs down Freo to charge into top eight, dashing Dees' dreams". AFL Media. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  97. ^ "Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats". AFLTables. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  98. ^ a b c "King Caleb: Daniel crowned top Dog". Western Bulldogs Media. 6 October 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  99. ^ a b c "Bulldogs' B&F boilover: Bont upstaged in thrilling count". AFL Media. 6 October 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  100. ^ "Heart and soul: Liberatore's huge 2020 impact". Western Bulldogs Media. 6 October 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  101. ^ Ryan, Peter (6 October 2020). "Caleb Daniel wins Charlie Sutton Medal". The Age. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  102. ^ Twomey, Callum (28 March 2021). "What a game! Bont inspires Dogs in an instant classic". AFL Media. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  103. ^ "The surprising statistic that highlights how important Tom Liberatore is". sen.com.au. 5 April 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  104. ^ Pegan, Martin (23 April 2021). "Injuries galore as Dogs break Giant shackles late to stay perfect". AFL Media. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  105. ^ Ratcliffe, Damien (23 April 2021). "Straight six: Western Bulldogs remain undefeated with clinical win over GWS". The Age. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  106. ^ Healy, Jonathan (9 May 2021). "Dogs stun Blues with final-quarter fightback". AFL Media. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  107. ^ "Off the table: Free agent Dog inks two-year extension". AFL Media. 7 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  108. ^ "Liberatore locked in". Western Bulldogs Media. 7 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  109. ^ “It’s extremely humbling”: Liberatore on vice-captaincy
  110. ^ "Ladder - AFL Players". ladder.org.au. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  111. ^ a b Robinson, Mark (3 April 2019). "Revealed: Who is the real Libba?". Herald Sun. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  112. ^ "According to Tom Liberatore, drop his name at the Ascot Vale Hotel or Mona Castle Hotel and you'll get a parma for free". Facebook. 7AFL. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  113. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Tom Liberatore". westernbulldogs.com.au. Archived from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  114. ^ Mitchell, Chris (26 September 2009). "Calder Cannons win TAC Cup premiership over Dandenong Stingrays as prospects impress". perthnowcom.au. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  115. ^ Murray, Tara (18 September 2014). "CALDER CANNONS SPECIAL: Premiership heroes of 2010". northern.starweekly.com.au. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
edit
 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tom Liberatore.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tom_Liberatore&oldid=1247725543"