Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge believes he may have to manage star midfielder Tom Liberatore at some stage this season after a gruelling match against Fremantle on Sunday left his Bulldogs side out on their feet.

In hot Western Australian conditions, players were clearly physically exhausted in the dying minutes of the tight contest.

After a trying effort in the final term, collecting nine disposals and two clearances, Beveridge suggested Liberatore may need to be managed soon to ensure he avoids any overuse injuries and to assist his recovery.

At 32 years old, managing Liberatore would be a proactive move in protecting his longevity.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 24: Tom Liberatore of the Bulldogs celebrates a goal during the 2022 AFL Round 02 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium on March 24, 2022 In Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"They've been working pretty well together as a different unit those lads," Beveridge said initially about the Bulldogs' makeshift mix midfield.

"I think they did a enough to give us a chance. I think it was a really dry day and warmer day and we were able to run on top of it. Hopefully, Tom pulls up alright from this one.

"I think at some stage 'Libba' might need a week or two off, we'll work out when that might be."

The Bulldogs have been experimenting with their midfield depth as stars Adam Treloar and Marcus Bontempelli sit out of the side.

Beveridge said that Bontempelli wouldn't return in Gather Round, but his first appearance in 2025 was not far away.

"There's a few lads that played who had been out, Anthony Scott played, Lachie Jaques played (both in the VFL this weekend). I don't think there's anyone who's coming back from injury this week at either level," Beveridge said.

"What we've said publicly about (Bontempelli's) range is about right. He's not far away.

"I can't give you anything more than he won't be [out for] a long time now. Hopefully over the next week or two."

Laitham Vandermeer's injury is unclear after the forward was substituted early in the contest with a knee concern.

Beveridge said a "clicking" in his knee was impacting his ability to compete at 100 per cent.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Sam Darcy of the Bulldogs is congratulated by Laitham Vandermeer of the Bulldogs after kicking a goal during the round two AFL match between Footscray Bulldogs (Western Bulldogs) and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on March 21, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Sam Darcy of the Bulldogs is congratulated by Laitham Vandermeer of the Bulldogs after kicking a goal during the round two AFL match between Footscray Bulldogs (Western Bulldogs) and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on March 21, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

"He had a clicking in his knee and it started to affect his game he couldn't reach his top-end speed so we had to pull the trigger on the sub pretty early, he was incapacitated," Beveridge said.

"We'll get back to you on what that actually is once we know a bit more about it."

The Bulldogs will be hoping for a smooth recovery following their fatiguing clash, as they face reigning premiers Brisbane in Gather Round.

Falling to 2-2 for the season, a win will be vital to remain in the hunt for a top eight spot, as the Dogs currently sit percentage outside the eight in tenth.