Tom Liberatore has recently signed a one-year extension at the Western Bulldogs, going into his 15th season at the club.
Since being drafted in 2010 as a father-son pick, Liberatore has played 219 games as a Bulldog and is likely to join an illustrious group when he reaches the 250 mark.
According to AFL Media's Josh Gabelich, the 31-year-old's management recently finalised the deal with club list manager Sam Power.
Bulldogs General Manager of List and Recruiting Sam Power was delighted to keep Liberatore at the Kennel for at least another season.
“Tom epitomises the heart and soul of the Western Bulldogs and we're thrilled to extend him into 2025,” Power said.
“His level of consistency over a long period of time stands up with some of the best midfielders in the competition, alongside his ability to lead and bring younger players with him on the journey.
“Being named vice-captain this season was great reward for Tom. He's a very popular member of the locker room and leads by example on field, playing a selfless role through our midfield.
“Tom really believes in what the Club is building on and off field and fans should look forward to seeing the No. 21 running out for years to come.”
Liberatore was pleased to have his contract locked away for another season.
“I'm rapt to sign again, it has been a great journey so far,” Liberatore said.
“It is really nice to get it done this early particularly given the start to the season and I am focused on what we're building here at the Club.
“I'll try and catch the old man, think he played for 16 years so I'm one behind.
“It is a great honour to play for the Club I grew up supporting and to play in the same place Dad did for such a long period of time is a great privilege and honour.
“The connection between the old and young players is really strong, the VFL is going well, obviously a long way to go but the future is looking exciting.”
Liberatore was elevated into the leadership group ahead of the 2024 season, re-joining the collective once more after being dropped from it nine years ago.
Putting an injury-riddled past behind him, including a second knee reconstruction in 2018, the cult figure has featured on the podium at the past four Charles Sutton Medals, winning the Gary Dempsey Medal (runner-up) in 2020 and 2021, and the Doug Hawkins Medal (third-place) in 2022 and 2023.
Starting the new season off in a similar fashion, Liberatore is back to his ball-winning best, averaging 23.3 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven clearances and five tackles across the first three games.