Midfield young gun Tom Liberatore says the Western Bulldogs sent a message to opposition clubs in the 68 point upset over the Brisbane Lions, that the Club will not be easy beats this season.

The 2011 father-son selection said the team win was a direct result of the commitment and endeavor from the playing group, buying into the senior coach Brendan McCartney’s team defense mentality.

“It’s rewarding and it’s just very healthy for the Club... we sent a strong message and I think we have been [developing] the right way, as well,” Liberatore said.

“The work that has been put around everyone, it shows how much we have cared and put into this club over the last six months - it was a really good team effort.

“It’s an exciting time to be around the club, we put our heads down and now we will take it week by week.”

The 20-year-old was the leading ball winner in the successful encounter for the Bulldogs, while his clean hands saw him dominate around the stoppages, finishing the game with 11 clearances to his name.

Despite an impressive individual game, it was the even spread of contributions and dedication across the team that impressed the young midfielder most.

Liberatore said the focus on the team’s defensive skills over the pre-season was also evident against the Lions, keeping them highly accountable and forcing turnovers which allowed the Bulldogs to capitalise.

“I think that’s just really apparent on our team defence...stats will show the forward half turnovers, just our ability to close down exits and help each other when we don’t have the footy,” he said.

“The biggest thing we worked on all year is when we don’t have the ball and defensive pressure and we scored seven or eight goals off turnovers."

Another key benchmark over the pre-season was on disposal and kicking efficiency, which was also much improved with 18 of the Bulldogs lineup boasting an efficiency rating of 70% or higher.

Two of the Bulldogs with the cleanest disposal were new additions Brett Goodes and Tom Young, who played their first games for in Bulldogs colours.

Nick Lower - who ultimately nullified the Lion’s Daniel Rich during the game - and Koby Stevens were also highly influential in their first game in the red, white and blue.

Liberatore said the new recruits have all fitted into the playing group with ease and have been a great fit culturally within the team.

“They have settled in as well as people and they get along really well with the boys and that is the first box you have to tick and i think they have found the respect of the players straight away,” he said.