Tom Liberatore has called time on his 268-game career with the Western Bulldogs.
The 34-year-old told his teammates of his decision following the Bulldogs' elimination-final loss to Adelaide.
“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.”
The midfielder decided to retire following a string of concussions and knee injuries that limited him to just 11 senior games in 2026.
Discussions with the club in the lead-up to the elimination final also played a key role in Liberatore making the decision to retire.
His father, Tony Liberatore, was a great of the Bulldogs, which led to Tom being selected as a father-son with pick 40, and he created just as much of a legacy as his father did at the Bulldogs.
Liberatore cemented his place in the Bulldogs side in 2013 and went on to win his only best and fairest in 2014, edging out fellow midfielder Jack Macrae.
He played a key role in the Bulldogs' drought-breaking premiership in 2016, and was only one of two players remaining from the premiership side, the other Marcus Bontempelli.
The midfielder was still producing some of his best football late in his career, making the All-Australian squad in 2025 for the third time in his career.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge called Liberatore the "spiritual catalyst".
“Tom has been the spiritual catalyst within our playing ranks for such a long period of time,” Beveridge said.
“Through the challenges he has faced, he has had a fierce will and desire to claw his way back. Libba has always set about influencing everyone he comes in contact with in his own unique, caring and quirky characteristic way.
“Always a fierce competitor, he has been inspirational with his tenacity and confrontational brand, ensuring his teammates always walk a little taller and feel a little more self-assured.
“I am extremely grateful to have coached Tom, and I know all of our people see it as a great privilege to have shared Tom's AFL football experience with him.”
Liberatore departs the Western Bulldogs alongside Oskar Baker, Harvey Gallagher, Lachlan Smith and Zac Walker, who were not offered contracts for 2027.
