Western Bulldogs favourite son Tom Liberatore would like to play on in 2027, pending he stays injury-free.

Liberatore has battled concussions in recent years, as well as serious knee injuries throughout his career.

However, the 34-year-old remains adamant he can contribute to the Bulldogs next year, but will hang up the boots.

"I would love to play on next year,” Liberatore said to Code Sports.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Tom Liberatore of the Bulldogs (L) tackles Toby Greene of the Giants during the round one AFL match between Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney Giants at Marvel Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Tom Liberatore of the Bulldogs (L) tackles Toby Greene of the Giants during the round one AFL match between Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney Giants at Marvel Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

"I just have to stay injury-free, and I should be OK.

"I think it's all pretty mutual (with the club keen for him to play on too). Next year will definitely be my last year. I couldn't see myself playing on longer than that."

Liberatore has suffered seven head knocks since 2017, prompting calls for him to consider his retirement.

"I wouldn't say I am worried about it,” he said of the concussion debate.

Loading matchup…

"But I understand why it is a big issue.

"I just sort of do my due diligence and make sure I lead the right lifestyle outside of footy.

"I am pretty keen on psychology and meditation and all that sort of stuff. I've done that for a few years now.

"Meditation calms your nervous system down … it allows you to train a bit smarter, and probably with the in-game stuff, it just sharpens your mind, so you can make decisions about where to put your body."

Liberatore has played seven games this season, with the club opting to give the midfielder more time on the sidelines to manage his concussion and persistent knee issues.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Tom Liberatore of the Bulldogs kicks for goal during the round two AFL match between Adelaide Crows and Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval, on March 20, 2026, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Tom Liberatore of the Bulldogs kicks for goal during the round two AFL match between Adelaide Crows and Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval, on March 20, 2026, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

"I took the time I needed (after the concussion), but it also gave me the chance to get the knee done … It was really sore," he said.

"The body is getting there now. It's all good."

Liberatore has been an icon of the Bulldogs, following in his father's footsteps, Tony, as a club great.

He has played 264 games, and if he plays on next year, he is set to eclipse his father's record of 283 matches.

The Bulldogs head to Queensland to take on Gold Coast, which is a huge clash in the context of the season.

Liberatore and his side sit seventh on the ladder with 10 wins, and have winnable games against Richmond, North Melbourne, Carlton and Melbourne in the run home.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION