Fit-again Dog ’embracing the nature’ as club returns to finals

Tom Liberatore is excited by the prospect of a huge crowd for the Bulldogs’ elimination final against Hawthorn after overcoming concussion issues

AFTER putting career-threatening concussion issues behind him, Tom Liberatore plans to embrace every aspect of the Western Bulldogs’ return to the finals next month.

Liberatore was left facing an uncertain playing future when he was sidelined indefinitely in May, having sustained his second concussion in the space of a few weeks – and fourth in a year.

Startling vision showed the veteran midfielder dazed and falling to the ground after an accidental boot to the head from an opponent in the Bulldogs’ round-eight clash with Hawthorn.

It was Liberatore’s only game in an eight-week stretch, but the 32-year-old hasn’t missed a beat since returning in round 14, playing a key role in the Bulldogs’ march towards September.The Dogs face Hawthorn in an elimination final at the MCG on Friday next week.

“There were certain periods throughout that where I was frustrated about not being able to play and be part of what (has become) a finals team,” Liberatore said on Thursday.

“Coming to the end of my career, as well, has made me value each little moment more.

“The technical side of making sure I turn and stay away from the knee-to-head injuries, which is what caused most of it, I’ve definitely worked on with ‘Ladey’ (midfield coach Brendon Lade).

A crowd of more than 90,000 is tipped at the MCG for the Bulldogs’ first final at home in Melbourne since the famous 2016 premiership decider.

The Dogs have played in seven finals since then – including the 2021 grand final loss to Melbourne – in Sydney, Brisbane, Launceston, Adelaide and Perth.

“We’ve chatted about it already and we’re just excited for the prospect,” Liberatore said of playing in front of a huge crowd.

“We’ve brushed on the enjoyment levels in general and how excited (we are) and how much we should embrace the nature of finals.

“It’s back in Melbourne and we haven’t played a Melbourne final for a while now, so that’s another factor that we’re all looking forward to and we can share with friends and family.”

Liberatore is confident star midfielder Adam Treloar (calf) and Laitham Vandermeer (hamstring) will be fit to play against Hawthorn, with the pre-finals bye giving them extra time to overcome niggles.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan missed Thursday’s training session at Whitten Oval, but is not in doubt for the Hawks clash.