By Peter Ryan
Western Bulldogs premiership player Tom Liberatore has been sidelined indefinitely after being concussed for the second time in less than a month, and the fourth time in 12 months, in the match against Hawthorn on Sunday.
He was concussed against Fremantle last season, and again against the Hawks in round 22. He was placed in the concussion protocols following the round-five match against Essendon this year when he collapsed in the middle of the ground late in the contest.
On Sunday, the tough 31-year-old left the ground with three minutes of the tight match remaining after he received an accidental boot to the head from Hawthorn’s Conor Nash.
He regained his feet but was dazed and fell to the ground just before the club doctor arrived at his side. He immediately went to the bench and played no further part in the match.
Liberatore had earlier copped a knock in the opening minutes of the clash when he collided with Karl Amon but was cleared after the doctor assessed the incident.
Tom Liberatore was ruled out of the game with concussion in the dying minutes of the match against Hawthorn.Credit: AFL Photos
Liberatore’s coach Luke Beveridge expressed concern for the midfielder after the match and said his wellbeing would be their only consideration, given the round-five incident when he collapsed in the middle of the field.
“For it to happen again this afternoon when it was only a couple of weeks ago (that) the same thing happened – it’s a bigger concern than just a one-game issue for me, and I think we would all be thinking that,” Beveridge said.
Liberatore copped a stray boot to the face against the HawksCredit: Fox Footy
In Monday’s statement, the Bulldogs confirmed the on-baller, who was made vice-captain this season, had been concussed and would enter concussion protocols for the second time in a month. However, they also said there would be no timeline on his return as they developed a return-to-play plan for him.
“The midfielder suffered a knock to the head late in Sunday’s loss to Hawthorn, with the club’s medical team confirming that a concussive episode had occurred,” the Bulldogs said in a statement.
Tom Liberatore unexpectedly goes to ground late in the game in round five.Credit: Channel Seven
“Having suffered two concussions within a short space of time, Tom will be unavailable for an indefinite period as the club works through a thorough process before a return-to-play plan is determined.
“Tom’s health and wellbeing always remains the absolute priority during this period.”
Liberatore would have missed this round’s match against Richmond anyway after the MRO suspended him for one game for his dangerous tackle on Hawthorn midfielder Will Day. The incident was classed as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact.
Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw and Collingwood’s Nathan Murphy have retired from the game this season due to concussion, however at this stage the Bulldogs expect Liberatore to continue this season once the medical staff are satisfied it is safe for him to return.
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