Western Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore is uncertain to feature in Wildcard Round due to a knee issue, according to coach Luke Beveridge.
Liberatore was unable to complete training during the week after experiencing an issue with one of his knees, with Beveridge revealing the veteran was unavailable for selection for the clash against Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
"He hasn't injured anything, but as you can imagine through the surgeries and what he's had through his experiences, he just wasn't fluent enough to get through the session, let alone play," Beveridge said.
"It's not even a conservative approach; he actually couldn't play this week. We'll monitor that over the next few days and see how he is and probably early next week we will know a little bit more.
"We were a little bit concerned that he might not be able to play the wildcard the week after.
"But as I said, we will know more post the weekend."
Liberatore missed a large chunk of football in May and June after he suffered a low-level damage cartilage in his knee. He has also dealt with head knocks throughout the year, and has been limited to 11 games.
Beveridge confirmed the club and the father-son gun have had conversations about what next year looks like.
The Bulldogs have been forced to cover the absence of Liberatore, with 2016 premiership coach admitting the 34-year-old's presence is difficult to replace.
Liberatore has averaged 24 disposals per game this year, including a stellar 33-disposal game against Carlton.
"He was at his best last week, in the things he does really well, in the contest, in the clearance and his antagonistic best," Beveridge said.
Liberatore is one of four changes, with Lachie Jaques, Louis Emmett and Jordan Croft all omitted. Captain Marcus Bontempelli heads the inclusions, alongside defensive trio Connor Budarick, Bailey Dale and Ryan Gardner.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Liberatore, Beveridge believes the Bulldogs have shown enough this season to compete for the premiership.
“You never know,” he said when asked whether the Bulldogs could win the flag.
“Ultimately, if you package up our year and think about what's transpired, there are so many positives in it.
“We've beaten some sides up above us. If our better brand comes out, we'll be troublesome."
He also admitted that he was "in a bit of a state of shock", like many across the AFL, surrounding the Sydney Swans.
"I haven't spoken to the players about it at all."
