Western Bulldogs utility Rory Lobb is hopeful that teammate Tom Liberatore hasn't finished his football career as he works his way through another concussion.
Liberatore was ruled out of another AFL match after he failed to exit concussion protocols, revealed by Zero Hanger, with coach Luke Beveridge saying the club is "treading wearily" given his history with head knocks.
The uncompromising ball-winner is said to be “not quite himself yet,” with his concentration still impacted by the concussion.
"Hopefully that's not the case," Lobb said regarding Liberatore's murky future.
"He's such an inspirational leader for us. He's played some amazing football throughout his career.
"For him to not play again, I don't really want to think about. I mean, he is getting to the back end of his career and hopefully he's got a few more games in him."
Tom: "How much of a concern is it at the club that [Liberatore] might not get back and play?"
Rory Lobb: "Hopefully that's not the case. He's such an inspirational leader for us."
Tom Morris and Rory Lobb on Tom Liberatore's future 👉 https://t.co/fTsbYD4yCf pic.twitter.com/pTak44eueS
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 29, 2026
Lobb has also been sidelined with injury following an "interesting" hamstring situation.
The former Docker and Giant revealed he copped a knock against Hawthorn in Gather Round, and then played against the Cats with the ailment, but scans showed no strain.
However, following a week of training and some soreness, a follow-up scan revealed more problems for the Bulldogs.
"That was an interesting one," Lobb said.
"I got a corky from the ruck in the Hawthorn game, and I carried that through to the Geelong game. I felt a little bit tight, and after that game, I got a scan. I had a little bit of bleeding in my hamstring from the cork.
"We had the scan. Couldn't see any strain. I trained, tried to get up for the week, did the main training, got through the whole thing, did the ice bath, felt a little bit tight in different spots, got it scanned and there was a strain.
"It's only a small one, but it's in a spot where we can't really risk it."
The Bulldogs have lost the past three clashes against premiership contenders (Hawthorn, Geelong and Sydney) after a hot start to the season.
A mouth-watering contest with Fremantle looms before games against Port Adelaide and Carlton.
