Ahead of this weekend’s Retro Round, Bulldogs Hall of Famer Tony Liberatore has reflected on the 1997 season among other memories of his playing days.

Speaking on the Inside the Kennel podcast earlier, Liberatore said despite falling three points short of a Grand Final appearance, the 1997 season was a memorable one.

“In saying it was an opportunity missed – it was a great year too,” the 1990 Brownlow Medalist said.

“Along the way we had a lot of fun – we were such a tight group of players. We just felt like no-one could beat us.

“We were well up at half-time (in the final) – then Darren Jarman entered the last quarter and just did his stuff. We couldn’t stop him. 

“We had our chance early in the last quarter – it was my famous point – but we had so many other opportunities.

“It was devastating. I’ve got no doubt we would’ve beaten St Kilda because we had the wood on them.

“Everyone was shell-shocked. The story would’ve been amazing - from where we’d had come in 1996 when we effectively finished last because Fitzroy left the competition.”

Liberatore was known for his ferocity and tenacity on-field, despite his small stature.

It seems to be a transgenerational trait – with glimpses in his son Tom and his contested footy, albeit to a lesser degree of aggression.

Liberatore Snr said back then, it was an indication of how he wanted to play and match it with the best.

“I got five weeks for hitting Matthew Knights, I got a few weeks for Craig McRae too – you can’t do it these days, but I certainly tested it to the letter of the law,” Liberatore said.

“I guess we just needed to do that. Especially in ‘97, that was the year we got so close.

“I don’t think any player in 1997 got under my skin – I think I was the one getting under their skin.

“I’d line up against guys like Anthony Koutoufides – who was 6’4 – Shane Crawford, Michael Voss. I’d say to Plough ‘let me play on the best players’. I’d challenge myself to beat the best players and that’s what I wanted to do.

“I didn’t care about stats– I think Paul Kelly was a classic example. Back then we were playing at Optus Oval, and I played on Kelly and think I had two kicks, two marks, two handballs and two goals.

“I got two Brownlow votes – I think Kelly only had about half-dozen possessions. I quelled him.

“I just felt like I wanted to beat anyone. Anyone I’d play on - I was just mean. I was ferocious.

“I loved the fact I was booed because I thought we’re not only getting under the opposition’s skin, but even their supporters’ (skin) too.

“You play to your strengths and that was my strength.”

The Liberatore name – via Tom - will feature in the Diamond Dog guernsey this Friday night against Richmond in the Bulldogs’ Retro Round.

To listen to the full Inside the Kennel podcast with Tony Liberatore, please click here.