He’s the midfielder putting the "mighty" in front of the West again.

Centre-bounce statistics through the first two rounds – while admittedly a small sample size – highlight the impact Tom Liberatore is having in his return to the unbeaten Western Bulldogs' line-up. 

The 26-year-old son of 1990 Brownlow medallist Tony Liberatore required a second knee reconstruction last year, after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in round one. 

Liberatore had already missed the entire 2015 season because of an ACL injury in his left knee.

The Bulldogs' onball unit – loaded with stars such as Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Lachie Hunter – is a force to be reckoned with when 'Libba' is involved, winning 19 of the 24 centre clearances during his attendances this year.

Only Melbourne's dual All Australian ruckman Max Gawn matches Liberatore's plus-14 differential at centre bounces this season.

Tim English (plus-nine), Bontempelli and Josh Dunkley (plus-six) and Macrae (plus-five) are the next-best at the Kennel. 

Alternatively, Luke Beveridge's men have lost 14 of the 23 centre clearances when Liberatore isn't there.

The Dogs' midfield prowess has helped paper over some of the cracks at either end in the opening fortnight – and they have a case to belong in the competition's upper echelon in that area.

THE DOGS' MIDFIELD RANKINGS IN 2019

It must be noted that their first two opponents, Sydney and Hawthorn – minus Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell – do not have elite onball brigades. 

However, dismissing what the Dogs are doing on that basis would be a mistake. 

They not only beat the Hawks in the middle, they beat them up. That dominance was particularly on show in the second and fourth quarters. 

DOGS v HAWKS IN ROUND TWO

Macrae is one of the game's great ball magnets, racking up at least 30 disposals on a League-most 18 occasions since the start of last season.

No other player has done it more than 15 times in that period, including All Australians Tom Mitchell and Matt Crouch.

Twitter Ads info and privacyThen there's Bontempelli, the Dogs' 193cm bundle of athleticism, skill and flair – and resident superstar at just 23 years of age. 

Hunter, the reigning club champion, is another threat for 30 possessions any given week, while Mitch Wallis, Dunkley and Toby McLean can seamlessly interchange between the midfield and up forward. 

They will fancy their chances against the Suns this week, but the round four match-up with Collingwood's equally deep midfield promises to be captivating.