Tom Liberatore was back doing Tom Liberatore things on the weekend, and it wasn’t just Bulldogs supporters that were happy to see the familiar number 21 Guernsey back on deck.

Speaking to Fox Sports News on Monday, Jordan Roughead said that the return of the 2014 Sutton Medallist was akin to a new recruit joining the Club, a view that more than a few of his teammates have expressed over the summer.

“It’s great to see Libba back out there,” Roughead said.

“We love having him out there and playing with us, he’s almost the heart and soul of our footy club, so it’s great having him back out there.”

But as encouraging as Liberatore’s early performances have been, Roughead expects the 23-year-old to take some time to return to his best, although not too much time.

“He’s pretty adaptable, Tom, so hopefully he’ll get back out there and be in top form. 

“We’re obviously going to give him time to find that form because it’s a tough game and it’s constantly changing, and when you miss twelve months it might take a few games to get back in the swing of it.

“But he’s a great player and we’re just excited to have him back out there with us.”

The Bulldogs open their season on March 27 against the Fremantle Dockers at Etihad Stadium, the first of seven straight home games to start the season.  But Roughead was quick to say that the Dogs are far from pencilling in wins on what was a happy hunting ground for the side in 2015.

“It’ll be nice to be under the roof, it’s been a while since we’ve been out there… and we’re looking forward to get out there and getting used to it again. 

“But we also understand that every other club has gone out and improved over the summer so we’re not going to take any game lightly.“

The Bulldogs take on Collingwood at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the final NAB Challenge match of 2016.  Tickets can be purchased here.