Western Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore has stepped down from his role as the club's vice-captain, but will remain in the extended leadership group for 2026.
Liberatore was appointed the club's vice-captain ahead of the 2024 season and remained in the role in 2025, captaining the Bulldogs for five games during Marcus Bontempelli's absence to begin last season.
Emerging superstar Ed Richards and dominant spearhead Aaron Naughton have been named as his replacements, with the pair sharing the vice-captaincy duties after a player vote, with consultation from the Bulldogs' football department.
Liberatore joins an extended leadership group of Cody Weightman and Bailey Dale, while youngster Rhylee West and 2025 star recruit Matthew Kennedy have been named in the cohort for the first time.
Unsurprisingly, Bontempelli will lead the Footscray-based outfit for a sixth straight year as captain.
Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge highlighted Liberatore's unsung efforts as vice-captain, noting how his leadership steadied a difficult start to the 2025 campaign as the club dealt with an injury crisis.
"We are really grateful for Tom's willingness to take up the challenges attached to the vice-captain's responsibilities over the last two seasons," Beveridge said.
"Through the early stages of the 2025 season it was critical that Tom stepped up on-and-off the field during the period Marcus was unavailable, providing a maturity and the stability we needed to ensure our players flourished during an uncertain time."
Beveridge also praised the development of West and Kennedy over the last 12 months, making their inclusion into the leadership group a no-brainer.
"As we seek to get the most out of ourselves, Rhylee has progressed to a heightened status within our club due to his on-field performances and his willingness to support his teammates and our staff," Beveridge explained.
"In a show of appreciation and in recognition of Rhylee's willingness to take on extra responsibility, he has been voted into the Player Leaders Group by his teammates.
"Rhylee's continued growth and commitment to his profession is critical to our prospects as we move into the future.
"Matt has made a significant impression on our people and our club on-and-off the field since arriving from Carlton at the end of 2024.
"Matt's great character and care for his teammates has ensured that he is an extremely popular member of our playing group.
"His contributions on the field, through his commitment to the difficult parts of the game have endeared him to everyone involved with our club."
Western Bulldogs full leadership group:
Captain: Marcus Bontempelli
Vice-captains: Aaron Naughton & Ed Richards
Leadership group: Bailey Dale, Cody Weightman, Rhylee West, Matthew Kennedy, Tom Liberatore
