MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 24: Tom Liberatore of the Bulldogs celebrates a goal during the 2022 AFL Round 02 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium on March 24, 2022 In Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Heart and soul Bulldog Tom Liberatore will extend his tenure at the Kennel for at least another season after signing a one-year contract extension with his boyhood club on Friday.
The Liberatore name has held legendary status at the Kennel for decades, with Tom's father, Brownlow medallist and Team of the Century member Tony, commencing his 283-game career in 1986.
Since being selected with a father-son pick at the 2010 Draft, Liberatore junior has called Barkly Street home, claiming premiership honours in 2016 and earning club champion status in 2014.
Across the course of his 2022 campaign, the inked-up midfielder found the footy at will, averaging 25 disposals, five tackles and seven clearances as the Dogs marched back into the September action.
Speaking in the wake of putting pen to paper, the 30-year-old claimed that while the end may be near, he remains excited about the season ahead.
“It makes me very excited – I think I'm almost getting to the end now, so it certainly gives me a bit of closure going into this season,” Liberatore told Western Bulldogs Media.
“The last three or four years, in particular, have been positive for me personally and also the Club as well.
“We've got a great group around us and a really good environment to thrive and get the best out of ourselves."
Unique to his core, Liberatore acts as a key cog in the club's machine, a fact that Bulldogs' GM of List Management and Recruiting, Sam Power, was content to highlight.
“Tom's impact on the playing group has been profound over the past few years, taking his game to a new level and imparting his knowledge onto our young players as a leader of the Club," Power said.
“His competitiveness and consistency was highlighted by a second-place finish in the Charles Sutton Medal last season, as he shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to be a vital part of our midfield group.”
Liberatore became the second-father son to sign out out West this week, joining highly-touted swingman Sam Darcy in recommitting under Luke Beveridge.
The Bulldogs will commence their 2023 season when facing recent rivals Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday, March 18.