Western Bulldogs star Tom Liberatore is expected to face heat from the AFL's Match Review Officer for a high off-ball hit on Brisbane's Will Ashcroft on Friday night.
The incident in question occurred in the second term of the Lions' eventual narrow win at the Gabba, with Liberatore looking to shove Ashcroft front-on prior to a ball-up stoppage.
The Dogs midfielder's right hand makes contact with Ashcroft's neck, flooring the young Lion.
The nature of the incident and the high contact could combine to see Liberatore potentially face a suspension for striking.
The MRO's assessment, should the incident be deemed as a reportable offence, would see a 'high' contact grading handed down.
This incident happened between Tom Liberatore and Will Ashcroft in the second quarter.#AFLLionsDogs pic.twitter.com/8ndi3Krbr9
โ AFL (@AFL) July 18, 2025
Whether the incident is seen as 'intentional' or 'careless' conduct will help determine the extent of the punishment that'll come Liberatore's way.
The strike came as play was paused, meaning it could fall under 'intentional', while the MRO could deem it 'careless' given it came around a stoppage with play set to resume.
An 'intentional' grading would lift the likelihood of a suspension, with a 'low' impact grading then resulting in a one-game suspension.
If his actions are deemed 'careless', the impact grading would need to be 'medium' or higher for Liberatore to receive a ban.
The Western Bulldogs are scheduled to face Essendon and GWS in their next two matches.
The MRO's findings from Friday night's game will be handed down on Saturday evening.
