Tom Liberatore
Guernsey number: 21
2013 games:
Career games:
2013 goals:
Career goals
2013 Brownlow votes: 14
Career Brownlow votes: 14
 

Season in short:

The prodigious midfielder went from ‘good’ to ‘elite’ in 2013, pushing his trademark contested game to another level. He averaged 26 disposals, 15 contested possessions and eight clearances across his 22 matches. Among many highlights, Liberatore was devastating against Melbourne on both occasions, averaging 36 disposals, 10 tackles and 12 clearances in his two outings against the side. Overall, he ranked first in the AFL for clearances at the end of the home and away season, second for contested possessions and fourth for tackles. Liberatore finished second in the Bulldogs best and fairest and won the Most Improved Player award named after his father.

Stat that mattered:

While Liberatore’s work inside the contest has been lauded this year, he has not compromised his disposal efficiency. Of the top ten average clearance winners in the competition he has the highest disposal efficiency (72.5%), with only one other boasting the accuracy of 70+%.

What they said:

“Tom has had an impressive first 50 games, and is becoming a more balanced player as he continues to gain more experience. He has a rich family history here at our Club, and we are pleased he can continue that over the next three years at least.”

- List Manager Jason McCartney

Pre-season focus:

Setting himself up for another big season, Liberatore will look to build on the foundations he has set in his first three years. The father-son recruit became a central character in the Bulldogs midfield this season and will be working hard to assist Ryan Griffen and his fellow teammates in that area.

In the news: