Over the next fortnight, westernbulldogs.com.au will look back on a season like no other – 2020 – reviewing every player who featured in more than three AFL games. 

Next is up is a pair of midfielders, in Tom Liberatore and Pat Lipinski.  

2020 Review: Johannisen, Keath 
2020 Review: Gardner, Hunter 
2020 Review: Dunkley, English 
2020 Review: Dale, Daniel 
2020 Review: Cordy, Crozier 
2020 Review: Bontempelli, Bruce

 

Tom Liberatore 

 
A fit and firing Tom Liberatore undoubtedly makes the Bulldogs a more formidable football team. 

That was clear for all to see in 2020. 

The 28-year-old had an incredible season, finishing third in the best and fairest to be a pivotal part of the Bulldogs’ midfield mix.  

After missing the first two games of the year, Liberatore – fittingly – returned in a fiery clash with the GWS Giants. His work in the tight situations was highlighted regularly throughout the year, as was his ability to bring his teammates into the game.  

01:06

People's Choice Moment of the Week (RD3)

Thanks to People's Choice, take a look at our favourite moment of the week.

By the numbers… 

Games: 16 
Goals: 5 
 
Disposals: 20.8 
Clearances: 4.6 
Score involvements: 5.1 
Tackles: 3.6 
Inside 50s: 2.6 

Best game: There’s no doubt in our minds the round 18 win against Fremantle was Liberatore’s best outing for 2020. With a finals spot up for grabs, he put in a mammoth performance against the Dockers in Cairns. Liberatore had 25 disposals – including 15 contested possessions. Plus seven clearances, eight tackles and a game-high 12 score involvements. 

 

Pat Lipinski 

Pat Lipinski filled a few roles for the Bulldogs throughout 2020.  

The 22-year-old featured at senior level on 13 occasions, spending time on the ball, on a wing and at times forward.  

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Lippa pinches one late

Patrick Lipinski notches an eye-catching goal on the brink of half-time to put his side back in front.

Lipinski found plenty of the ball early in the season and had an impact in wins against Sydney, Gold Coast and Essendon, but found himself out of the side for a month after round 13 as the Bulldogs pushed towards the finals. 

He returned to have an impact in the last game of the home-and-away season, but was kept quiet in the elimination final.  

By the numbers…

Games: 13 
Goals: 5 
 
Disposals: 16.2 
Marks: 2.5 
Tackles: 2.4 
Score involvements: 4.5 

Best game: Lipinski was also a big contributor in the round 18 win against the Dockers. With a season-high 10 score involvements from 17 disposals, he was an important link player as the Bulldogs posted a five-goal win to seal a top-eight spot. Lipinski had 16 uncontested possessions and three tackles, plus he coolly slotted a second-quarter goal at an important moment. 

2020 Recap