Western Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore had one thing on his mind in the latter stages of the match against Melbourne — win at all costs for Daniel Cross.

“It would have been disappointing to not get the four points and most importantly for a champion of the Club in Crossy – it was good to win for him.”

Liberatore put in a trademark performance in the Bulldogs 20-point victory over Melbourne, amassing 36 disposals (20 contested), 12 clearances, 11 tackles and a goal.

Playing a pivotal role in the Dogs second quarter surge, the father-son recruit accumulated 14 disposals and three clearances in that term alone.

The midfielder attributes the Bulldogs becoming harder around the contest and returning to the basics for their nine goal quarter which ultimately led to the win. 

“It was just the basic things… we just got harder around the ball and they didn’t move the ball with any ease,” he said.

“We just shut them down in our forward half and caused more turnovers to allow more scores.”

The performance caps off his much improved season, winning 17 more clearances than any other player in the competition, as well as finishing second overall in the AFL in contested possessions and fourth in tackles.