Loved Bulldog Libba bows out

One of the most iconic Dogs of the modern era has called it quits.

Tom Liberatore, the left-footed midfielder who only ever did things his way, on Tuesday told his Western Bulldogs teammates he is retiring.

He amassed 268 games for the club he supported as a child and finished on the podium in seven best and fairest awards.

It’s understood the 34-year-old made the decision across the weekend to hang up the boots, following a string of concussions and knee injuries which allowed him to play just 10 senior games in 2026.

Respectful conversations with the club last week also played an important role in Liberatore reaching the decision to retire.

By the time the Dogs played on Saturday night, he knew 2026 would be his last season.

Liberatore was training to return for a possible semi-final berth in Brisbane this weekend, but the club’s season – and ultimately his career – came to an end when Adelaide prevailed in an elimination final.

The St Bernand’s Football Club junior was touted as a draft prospect in 2010 alongside his close friend and schoolmate Mitch Wallis.

Together they attended St Kevin’s College and represented the Calder Cannons.

Wallis was selected with Pick 22 in the National Draft, while Liberatore was taken as a father-son with Pick 40 following a bid from the Sydney Swans.

Liberatore’s breakout season came in 2013, and despite a tumultuous year for the club in 2014, the on-baller won his only best and fairest, edging Jack Macrae for the top gong.

In the Dogs’ drought-breaking 2016 premiership season, he played 21 games, which included a 19-tackle outing against Melbourne in Round 8.

A fortnight after winning the flag, Liberatore was in Vietnam sporting a wacky haircut and playing in the ruck for Macau in the AFL Asia Championships.

His best years came from 2020-2023. In four straight seasons he finished either second or third in the club's best and fairest.

Last year he finished third in the Charles Sutton Medal and was named in the All-Australian squad for the third time.

But this year he struggled for continuity, adding just 11 games to his overall tally due to knee and concussion concerns.

Liberatore hails from a rich Western Bulldogs family, with his father Tony having played 283 games for the club from 1986-2002.

“This Club and its community have been such a huge part of my life,” Liberatore said.

“I’m so fortunate to have lived out my dream for 16 years, from watching my old man play for the Club to being part of a premiership that meant so much to all of our fans and to the western suburbs, it’s been a real privilege.

“I still love being here and competing each week but it’s time for me to step aside, spend more time with my family and friends and support this great Club from the stands.

“I’ve built lifelong friendships with many teammates through the years, that’s what means the most to me.

“I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone at the Club: players, coaches and staff for the amount of effort and time they’ve dedicated to me over the years.

“I also want to thank the members and fans who have been incredible during my time here and supported me through all of the ups and downs.

“I’m really proud of where the Club is going and excited about what the group is capable of moving forward. I’m looking forward to watching on with a beer in hand.”