What They're Saying - The Bulldogs Media Thread - Part 4

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Cadillac said:
It’s absolutely sickening that the best recruiter in the country. And the best in the clubs history in Simon Dalrymple is no longer at the club because Bevo overruled him and elected to draft Gowers.


F*****g madness.
Click to expand...

It wasn’t the recruitment of Gowers in isolation that caused Dalrymple to leave.

Gowers recruitment was the straw that broke the camels back and was an indication of far more problems
 
Struggle said:
Where was the trolling by us? Just that we picked a better player?
Click to expand...
Weird article. It’s not like the club rang the Saints and did a na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye. :oops:
 

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Struggle said:
Where was the trolling by us? Just that we picked a better player?
Click to expand...
I don’t know which scourge is worse - Covid or the “click bait” phenomenon. To be fair to the journalist I think it is the sub-editor who comes up with the headline ( if only we had a journalist among our number to confirm this … cough Pugz). The media can write whatever they want, truth or misleading doesn’t matter as long as it gets read.
 
Mr. Walker said:
I don’t know which scourge is worse - Covid or the “click bait” phenomenon. To be fair to the journalist I think it is the sub-editor who comes up with the headline ( if only we had a journalist among our number to confirm this … cough Pugz). The media can write whatever they want, truth or misleading doesn’t matter as long as it gets read.
Click to expand...
At the grassroots level (country newspapers), we do headline as a journo, but editor often changes it once its submitted. As far as national papers go, I would imagine journo just writes the story and sub editor/page designer comes up with headline that works for the story and design aspect of the page.
 
Pugz89 said:
At the grassroots level (country newspapers), we do headline as a journo, but editor often changes it once its submitted. As far as national papers go, I would imagine journo just writes the story and sub editor/page designer comes up with headline that works for the story and design aspect of the page.
Click to expand...

Slightly off topic, but most journalism is utter trash these days. Good example is the current BOMBSHELL headline for the mentally ill European girl claiming to be Madeline McCann. It should not even be getting any airtime, but it’s still being fed by the media
 
ossie_21 said:
Slightly off topic, but most journalism is utter trash these days. Good example is the current BOMBSHELL headline for the mentally ill European girl claiming to be Madeline McCann. It should not even be getting any airtime, but it’s still being fed by the media
Click to expand...
I know it's been trash for years, but my current theory is in a weird way, COVID hasn't helped. The thirst for updates and news in the past 3yrs has meant news has been front if mind and has seen a spike in readership etc. Now that covid fatigue has set in, news organisations are forced to pump up everything they can to keep the clicks rolling in the 24/7 news cycle.

Might be wrong, but that's my current working theory.

For the record, I'm in sport dept, so not as bad as other depts imo.
 

AFL Richmond v Western Bulldogs: Tom Lynch to face MRO trouble as Doggies withstand Tiger comeback​

A defiant Western Bulldogs have denied Richmond victory in treacherous conditions, but the Tigers have far bigger concerns elsewhere with superstar forward Tom Lynch.

Sam Landsberger

April 8, 2023 - 7:34PM

Richmond superstar Tom Lynch could be a Gather Round spectator against Sydney on Friday night after bumping Alex Keath in a collision that left the Western Bulldog concussed.

The Tigers morphed a 29-point deficit against the Western Bulldogs into a 14-point lead with a withering second-quarter burst at the MCG — only to fall five points short in the final term.

Noah Cumberland missed an open Lynch with less than four minutes on the clock when a goal would’ve trimmed the margin to four points, although Shai Bolton’s snap in the final minute gave the Tigers one final chance at victory.

Tom Liberatore handballs as he is tackled at the MCG. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Tom Liberatore handballs as he is tackled at the MCG. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

But the club’s second consecutive loss also came at a cost with Jack Graham (hamstring) substituted out of the match and a sore Lynch set to come under scrutiny from Match Review Officer Michael Christian over the first-quarter incident.

Keath was backing into a marking contest at halfback when Lynch ran under the ball and made contact with the key defender.

Dustin Martin marks in front of [PLAYERCARD]Liam Jones[/PLAYERCARD]. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Dustin Martin marks in front of Liam Jones. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Keath was immediately substituted out of the match with concussion. It was similar to round 1 at the MCG, when the Dogs lost fellow full-back Liam Jones (neck) before halftime.

While Lynch’s act would be unlikely to be graded as intentional conduct, the fact that Keath was concussed means if he is cited it would probably be graded as high contact and either medium or high impact.

That would automatically trigger a 1-2 match ban.

As tribunal chairman Jeff Gleeson warned when he banned Lynch’s teammate Nathan Broad for four matches: “We have said previously, and we repeat tonight – players must do all that they reasonably can not to cause avoidable head injuries to their fellow players. Every player is now taken to be aware of the damaging and sometimes long-term consequences of concussion”.

Tom Lynch tangles with Bulldogs defender [PLAYERCARD]Hayden Crozier[/PLAYERCARD]. Picture: Michael Klein

Tom Lynch tangles with Bulldogs defender Hayden Crozier. Picture: Michael Klein

Keath’s concussion means he is certain to miss next week’s clash against Port Adelaide and its key targets Charlie Dixon and Todd Marshall.

The blow was compounded by a back injury to Hayden Crozier, who slowly made his way from the field in the third term.

Lynch booted Richmond’s only two goals of the first quarter, including the first of the match after a brilliant tackle on Dogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli.

Lynch and Samson Ryan were backed in to lead the Tigers’ attack at the MCG on Saturday with three-time premiership hero Jack Riewoldt left out of the team.

But Riewoldt is likely to win an immediate ticket back into the forward line, especially if Lynch finds himself suspended for the hit on Keath.

Brownlow medallist Trent Cotchin, who was named the substitute, received a warm reception from the Tiger Army when he replaced Graham in the match.

Is Tom Lynch in trouble?​

Yes
No
Cast your vote

SCOREBOARD​

RICHMOND 2.4 (16), 10.7 (67), 10.11 (71), 12.12 (84)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 6.3 (39), 8.5 (53), 9.11 (65), 12.17 (89)
GOALS
Tigers: Lynch 2, Ryan 2, Bolton 2, Cumberland, Clarke, Hopper, Ralphsmith, Martin, Taranto
Bulldogs: Naughton 3, Liberatore 2, English 2, Lobb, Daniel, Macrae, Hannan, McComb
SMART’S BEST
Tigers: Rioli, Taranto, Bolton, Martin
Bulldogs: English, Bontempelli, Dale, Liberatore, Naughton, Macrae
INJURIES
Tigers: Graham (hamstring),
Bulldogs: Keath (concussion), Crozier (back)
VENUE
56,449 at MCG

NICK SMART’S VOTES
3- Tim English (WB)
2- Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
1- Daniel Rioli (Rich)
 

AFL Richmond v Western Bulldogs: Tom Liberatore stars in thrilling 199th game for Bulldogs​

The lyrics “Bulldogs bite and Bulldogs roar,” in the Dogs’ theme may not be better summated than by the man who wears the number 21 for the Dogs, as he prepares for a special milestone.

Sam Landsberger

April 9, 2023 - 10:08AM

Western Bulldogs triumph in blockbuster thriller!

AFL: The Dogs have held off a surging Richmond side to end up on top in a thrilling contest at the MCG.

Luke Beveridge played with Brownlow Medallist Tony Liberatore from 1993-95 and has coached his son, Tom Liberatore, through two knee reconstructions and a premiership since 2015.


On Saturday night, against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, ‘Libba’ is set to play his 200th match.
It’s a milestone worth celebrating for the heart-and-soul onballer, who warmed up with two goals and 10 tackles in game No. 199 against Richmond.
Those two majors were both kicked in the first quarter … the first after a vintage tackle on Liam Baker and the second a goal on the run kicked coming out of traffic on his wrong foot.
“You talk about ancestry – the Liberatores with our football club,” Beveridge said after scoring the club’s first win against the Tigers at the MCG since his second game in charge.
Liberatore celebrates an early goal against the Tigers. Pic: Michael Klein

Liberatore celebrates an early goal against the Tigers. Pic: Michael Klein

“(Tom’s) had his trials and tribulations, as we know. But he’s a father to Oscar – I don’t know if he’s matured – but he’s stabilised his life and what he does for our team and our club is significant.
“With his knee injuries he’s a little bit modified with what he does in training, so he needs to really look after himself.
“It’ll be great to salute him and celebrate the fact that he’s going to get the double century. He might hold the bat up again.”
Beveridge noted Saturday’s wild weather suited Liberatore’s in-and-under game … but added he was devilishly skilful and therefore could be just damaging in the dry.

Teammate Jason Johannisen remembered getting drafted with ‘Libba’ in 2010.
They are the sole survivors from a class that included Mitch Wallis, Jayden Schofield, Zephaniah Skinner, Tom Hill and rookies Luke Dahlhaus and Ed Barlow.
“We’ve been through the same journey – 13 years, it’s unbelievable,” Johannisen told the Sunday Herald Sun.
“He’s just the heart and soul of this footy club and to get to 200 games he should be extremely proud and I’m excited I’ll run out with him.
“You can just tell by the way he plays his footy. He’s just relentless and selfless, he’ll do anything for this team.
“He gets us going in games and he’s the soul around the locker room. He should be extremely proud.”
Johannisen and Liberatore were drafted together in 2010. (AAP Image/Craig Golding)

Johannisen and Liberatore were drafted together in 2010. (AAP Image/Craig Golding)

Johannisen and Liberatore are fathers along with the likes of Adam Treloar, Josh Bruce, Alex Keath. Compare that maturity to Hawthorn, whose only dad is 20-year-old Tyler Brockman.
What’s Liberatore like as a 30-year-old like off the field?
“He’s a larrikin,” JJ said.
“I think most people’s perceptions of him are pretty accurate. He loves to have a laugh, but he’s so caring.
“He understands, he knows when to pick you up and get the group going with the banter and all the funny stuff – 200 is a hell of an achievement.”
That banter included WhatsApp-ing his teammates to announce the birth of Oscar … only to joke to them he was called ‘Tennys’, after Libba was floored by Australian Open competitor Tennys Sandgren, from Tennessee, playing tennis that summer.
Or naming one of his bulldogs after his dad … but opting for the girl (Toni) instead of the boy (Earl).
Or forgetting his boots on grand final day in 2016. Or getting around in a two-door Australia Post van purchased off Gumtree.
Or telling the club’s website at a signing day that his autograph was designed as a six-month baby because “I had to start paying for my own stuff. My parents weren’t around so I had to sign off a bit”.
Liberatore will play his 200th game for the Bulldogs next weekend. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Liberatore will play his 200th game for the Bulldogs next weekend. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Last year Liberatore finished runner-up in the Charles Sutton Medal. His speech was: “I’m a man of few words … any questions”.
The humour runs deeper than the Dogs’ midfield
They won clearances 15-6 and inside 50s 16-6 in the final quarter to run over Richmond without Alex Keath (concussion) and Hayden Crozier (back).
It was a spirited win, one where Tim English and Bailey Smith were asked to stay on the field for the entire fourth term.
English might be the All-Australian ruckman this year while captain Marcus Bontempelli (12 clearances) might have five Brownlow Medal votes in the past two games.
But Liberatore is this club’s heartbeat. Recently he signed on for 2024.
Tom might not match Tony’s 283 games, but he’s been just as feisty, fun and physical as his old man, and arguably far more skilful.
It’s a father-son combination worth cherishing.

SCOREBOARD​

RICHMOND 2.4 10.7 10.11 12.12 (84)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 6.3 8.5 9.11 12.17 (89)
GOALS
Tigers: Lynch 2, Ryan 2, Bolton 2, Cumberland, Clarke, Hopper, Ralphsmith, Martin, Taranto
Bulldogs: Naughton 3, Liberatore 2, English 2, Lobb, Daniel, Macrae, Hannan, McComb
SMART’S BEST
Tigers: Rioli, Taranto, Bolton, Martin
Bulldogs: English, Bontempelli, Dale, Liberatore, Naughton, Macrae
INJURIES
Tigers: Graham (hamstring),
Bulldogs: Keath (concussion), Crozier (back)
VENUE
56,449 at MCG
NICK SMART’S VOTES
3- Tim English (WB)
2- Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
1- Daniel Rioli (Rich)
 

MRO news: Tom Lynch could be sent straight to tribunal, Blues to challenge McKay’s ban​

While Damien Hardwick said Tom Lynch’s bump on Alex Keath was simply in the contest, the Tigers will be sweating on the MRO’s decision, with Carlton set to head to the tribunal once again.

Jay Clark and Jon Ralph

4 min read
April 9, 2023 - 11:20AM
Tom Lynch leaves Alex Keath concussed

AFL: Richmond Tigers star Tom Lynch absolutely levelled Bulldogs defender Alex Keath at the MCG in the opening quarter.


Richmond superstar forward Tom Lynch could be sent straight to the tribunal for concussing Bulldog Alex Keath in a heavy collision on Saturday.
The Tigers face the prospect of losing Lynch for three matches in a massive blow to the club after a slow start to the season.
Lynch was in a marking contest when he jumped off the ground and braced himself for contact to Keath, collecting him to the head.
Keath was concussed, removed from the game, and will miss next weekend’s match.
It means Lynch’s bump, as per the AFL guidelines, could be graded as careless contact, high contact and severe impact, which would mean he is referred straight to the tribunal.
At the tribunal he would face a minimum three-game suspension, sidelining Lynch for games against Sydney Swans, Melbourne and Gold Coast if he is not cleared on grounds he made a genuine attempt to win the football.

Lynch is arguably Richmond’s best player after winning the club’s best and fairest last year.
Veteran full forward Jack Riewoldt, who was rested for Saturday’s loss to the Bulldogs, would replace Lynch in a bid to lift the Tigers up the ladder after one win, one draw and two losses to start the season.
The Lynch match review grading would be consistent with the league’s stance on concussions and brain injuries this season, as Kysaiah Pickett’s bump on Bailey Smith was graded as high impact, triggering a two-match ban.

In that incident Smith bounced to his feet and played on.
The Lynch bump on Keath was worse as Keath was concussed and will miss another match against Port Adelaide under league protocols.
At the tribunal he Tigers will likely try and get Lynch off the charge by arguing it was not careless conduct, but accidental contact as part of a genuine attempt to win the ball.
However, Lynch did not touch the Sherrin and was not pushed into Keath.


DIMMA’S FURORE AT HOST BROADCASTER OVER LYNCH BUMP
— Nick Smart
Damien Hardwick has bristled at suggestions Tom Lynch could face MRO scrutiny for the clash that left Alex Keath concussed on Saturday, attacking the TV broadcaster and describing the action as “tough in the contest.”
The Richmond coach was seething after his side gave up a 14-point halftime lead to lose to the Western Bulldogs by five points at the MCG.
Richmond has won just one game after four rounds.
To make matters worse, Lynch will be looked at after a collision with Keath in the first team led to the Bulldogs defender leaving the game.
Keath was backing into a marking contest at half-back when Lynch ran under the ball and made contact with Keath.
In a tense exchange at the post-game media conference, Hardwick feigned ignorance when asked if he believed Lynch would face scrutiny.
“What for? What incident?” Hardwick said.
“You’re saying an incident. I don’t know what incident you’re talking about … in a marking contest? Yeah, well, who knows?”
When told the Fox Footy broadcast said the incident could be looked at, Hardwick replied: “Well, it was raised on the broadcast was it?

​

 

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NBates said:

AFL Richmond v Western Bulldogs: Tom Liberatore stars in thrilling 199th game for Bulldogs​

The lyrics “Bulldogs bite and Bulldogs roar,” in the Dogs’ theme may not be better summated than by the man who wears the number 21 for the Dogs, as he prepares for a special milestone.

Sam Landsberger

April 9, 2023 - 10:08AM

Western Bulldogs triumph in blockbuster thriller!

AFL: The Dogs have held off a surging Richmond side to end up on top in a thrilling contest at the MCG.

Luke Beveridge played with Brownlow Medallist Tony Liberatore from 1993-95 and has coached his son, Tom Liberatore, through two knee reconstructions and a premiership since 2015.


On Saturday night, against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, ‘Libba’ is set to play his 200th match.
It’s a milestone worth celebrating for the heart-and-soul onballer, who warmed up with two goals and 10 tackles in game No. 199 against Richmond.
Those two majors were both kicked in the first quarter … the first after a vintage tackle on Liam Baker and the second a goal on the run kicked coming out of traffic on his wrong foot.
“You talk about ancestry – the Liberatores with our football club,” Beveridge said after scoring the club’s first win against the Tigers at the MCG since his second game in charge.
Liberatore celebrates an early goal against the Tigers. Pic: Michael Klein

Liberatore celebrates an early goal against the Tigers. Pic: Michael Klein

“(Tom’s) had his trials and tribulations, as we know. But he’s a father to Oscar – I don’t know if he’s matured – but he’s stabilised his life and what he does for our team and our club is significant.
“With his knee injuries he’s a little bit modified with what he does in training, so he needs to really look after himself.
“It’ll be great to salute him and celebrate the fact that he’s going to get the double century. He might hold the bat up again.”
Beveridge noted Saturday’s wild weather suited Liberatore’s in-and-under game … but added he was devilishly skilful and therefore could be just damaging in the dry.

Teammate Jason Johannisen remembered getting drafted with ‘Libba’ in 2010.
They are the sole survivors from a class that included Mitch Wallis, Jayden Schofield, Zephaniah Skinner, Tom Hill and rookies Luke Dahlhaus and Ed Barlow.
“We’ve been through the same journey – 13 years, it’s unbelievable,” Johannisen told the Sunday Herald Sun.
“He’s just the heart and soul of this footy club and to get to 200 games he should be extremely proud and I’m excited I’ll run out with him.
“You can just tell by the way he plays his footy. He’s just relentless and selfless, he’ll do anything for this team.
“He gets us going in games and he’s the soul around the locker room. He should be extremely proud.”
Johannisen and Liberatore were drafted together in 2010. (AAP Image/Craig Golding)

Johannisen and Liberatore were drafted together in 2010. (AAP Image/Craig Golding)

Johannisen and Liberatore are fathers along with the likes of Adam Treloar, Josh Bruce, Alex Keath. Compare that maturity to Hawthorn, whose only dad is 20-year-old Tyler Brockman.
What’s Liberatore like as a 30-year-old like off the field?
“He’s a larrikin,” JJ said.
“I think most people’s perceptions of him are pretty accurate. He loves to have a laugh, but he’s so caring.
“He understands, he knows when to pick you up and get the group going with the banter and all the funny stuff – 200 is a hell of an achievement.”
That banter included WhatsApp-ing his teammates to announce the birth of Oscar … only to joke to them he was called ‘Tennys’, after Libba was floored by Australian Open competitor Tennys Sandgren, from Tennessee, playing tennis that summer.
Or naming one of his bulldogs after his dad … but opting for the girl (Toni) instead of the boy (Earl).
Or forgetting his boots on grand final day in 2016. Or getting around in a two-door Australia Post van purchased off Gumtree.
Or telling the club’s website at a signing day that his autograph was designed as a six-month baby because “I had to start paying for my own stuff. My parents weren’t around so I had to sign off a bit”.
Liberatore will play his 200th game for the Bulldogs next weekend. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Liberatore will play his 200th game for the Bulldogs next weekend. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Last year Liberatore finished runner-up in the Charles Sutton Medal. His speech was: “I’m a man of few words … any questions”.
The humour runs deeper than the Dogs’ midfield
They won clearances 15-6 and inside 50s 16-6 in the final quarter to run over Richmond without Alex Keath (concussion) and Hayden Crozier (back).
It was a spirited win, one where Tim English and Bailey Smith were asked to stay on the field for the entire fourth term.
English might be the All-Australian ruckman this year while captain Marcus Bontempelli (12 clearances) might have five Brownlow Medal votes in the past two games.
But Liberatore is this club’s heartbeat. Recently he signed on for 2024.
Tom might not match Tony’s 283 games, but he’s been just as feisty, fun and physical as his old man, and arguably far more skilful.
It’s a father-son combination worth cherishing.

SCOREBOARD​

RICHMOND 2.4 10.7 10.11 12.12 (84)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 6.3 8.5 9.11 12.17 (89)
GOALS
Tigers: Lynch 2, Ryan 2, Bolton 2, Cumberland, Clarke, Hopper, Ralphsmith, Martin, Taranto
Bulldogs: Naughton 3, Liberatore 2, English 2, Lobb, Daniel, Macrae, Hannan, McComb
SMART’S BEST
Tigers: Rioli, Taranto, Bolton, Martin
Bulldogs: English, Bontempelli, Dale, Liberatore, Naughton, Macrae
INJURIES
Tigers: Graham (hamstring),
Bulldogs: Keath (concussion), Crozier (back)
VENUE
56,449 at MCG
NICK SMART’S VOTES
3- Tim English (WB)
2- Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
1- Daniel Rioli (Rich)
Click to expand...
Great article! Excited that I'll be at the game next week. The Liberatores are as synonymous with the Dogs as anyone, ever, in the club's history. I'll probably have something in my eye when he leads the side out 😁

Tony and Tom - since 1986 🙂
 
Last edited:
GetDimmaBack said:
I'll probably have something in my eye when be leads the side out 😁
Click to expand...
Paul Kelly, a young Ben Cousins and Matthew Knights also got emotional playing against Tony. :laughing:
Hope they're all there next week saluting Tom!

Tom + Tony = 1 premiership, 1 Brownlow, and 2 careers brought back from the brink.

Kelly + Knights = 1 Brownlow and no flags, but decent careers.

Cousins - well he probably doesn't remember his flag or his Brownlow.

Sliding doors of footy and life.

(Not really sure what point I ended up trying to make there, sorry GDB. So I'll just say young Tom has turned out to be a ripper!)
 
So glad I chose to get 21 on the back of my premiership jumper.

One of my few moments of clarity in life.
 
NBates said:

AFL Richmond v Western Bulldogs: Tom Liberatore stars in thrilling 199th game for Bulldogs​

The lyrics “Bulldogs bite and Bulldogs roar,” in the Dogs’ theme may not be better summated than by the man who wears the number 21 for the Dogs, as he prepares for a special milestone.

Sam Landsberger

April 9, 2023 - 10:08AM

Western Bulldogs triumph in blockbuster thriller!

AFL: The Dogs have held off a surging Richmond side to end up on top in a thrilling contest at the MCG.

Luke Beveridge played with Brownlow Medallist Tony Liberatore from 1993-95 and has coached his son, Tom Liberatore, through two knee reconstructions and a premiership since 2015.


On Saturday night, against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, ‘Libba’ is set to play his 200th match.
It’s a milestone worth celebrating for the heart-and-soul onballer, who warmed up with two goals and 10 tackles in game No. 199 against Richmond.
Those two majors were both kicked in the first quarter … the first after a vintage tackle on Liam Baker and the second a goal on the run kicked coming out of traffic on his wrong foot.
“You talk about ancestry – the Liberatores with our football club,” Beveridge said after scoring the club’s first win against the Tigers at the MCG since his second game in charge.
Liberatore celebrates an early goal against the Tigers. Pic: Michael Klein

Liberatore celebrates an early goal against the Tigers. Pic: Michael Klein

“(Tom’s) had his trials and tribulations, as we know. But he’s a father to Oscar – I don’t know if he’s matured – but he’s stabilised his life and what he does for our team and our club is significant.
“With his knee injuries he’s a little bit modified with what he does in training, so he needs to really look after himself.
“It’ll be great to salute him and celebrate the fact that he’s going to get the double century. He might hold the bat up again.”
Beveridge noted Saturday’s wild weather suited Liberatore’s in-and-under game … but added he was devilishly skilful and therefore could be just damaging in the dry.

Teammate Jason Johannisen remembered getting drafted with ‘Libba’ in 2010.
They are the sole survivors from a class that included Mitch Wallis, Jayden Schofield, Zephaniah Skinner, Tom Hill and rookies Luke Dahlhaus and Ed Barlow.
“We’ve been through the same journey – 13 years, it’s unbelievable,” Johannisen told the Sunday Herald Sun.
“He’s just the heart and soul of this footy club and to get to 200 games he should be extremely proud and I’m excited I’ll run out with him.
“You can just tell by the way he plays his footy. He’s just relentless and selfless, he’ll do anything for this team.
“He gets us going in games and he’s the soul around the locker room. He should be extremely proud.”
Johannisen and Liberatore were drafted together in 2010. (AAP Image/Craig Golding)

Johannisen and Liberatore were drafted together in 2010. (AAP Image/Craig Golding)

Johannisen and Liberatore are fathers along with the likes of Adam Treloar, Josh Bruce, Alex Keath. Compare that maturity to Hawthorn, whose only dad is 20-year-old Tyler Brockman.
What’s Liberatore like as a 30-year-old like off the field?
“He’s a larrikin,” JJ said.
“I think most people’s perceptions of him are pretty accurate. He loves to have a laugh, but he’s so caring.
“He understands, he knows when to pick you up and get the group going with the banter and all the funny stuff – 200 is a hell of an achievement.”
That banter included WhatsApp-ing his teammates to announce the birth of Oscar … only to joke to them he was called ‘Tennys’, after Libba was floored by Australian Open competitor Tennys Sandgren, from Tennessee, playing tennis that summer.
Or naming one of his bulldogs after his dad … but opting for the girl (Toni) instead of the boy (Earl).
Or forgetting his boots on grand final day in 2016. Or getting around in a two-door Australia Post van purchased off Gumtree.
Or telling the club’s website at a signing day that his autograph was designed as a six-month baby because “I had to start paying for my own stuff. My parents weren’t around so I had to sign off a bit”.
Liberatore will play his 200th game for the Bulldogs next weekend. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Liberatore will play his 200th game for the Bulldogs next weekend. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Last year Liberatore finished runner-up in the Charles Sutton Medal. His speech was: “I’m a man of few words … any questions”.
The humour runs deeper than the Dogs’ midfield
They won clearances 15-6 and inside 50s 16-6 in the final quarter to run over Richmond without Alex Keath (concussion) and Hayden Crozier (back).
It was a spirited win, one where Tim English and Bailey Smith were asked to stay on the field for the entire fourth term.
English might be the All-Australian ruckman this year while captain Marcus Bontempelli (12 clearances) might have five Brownlow Medal votes in the past two games.
But Liberatore is this club’s heartbeat. Recently he signed on for 2024.
Tom might not match Tony’s 283 games, but he’s been just as feisty, fun and physical as his old man, and arguably far more skilful.
It’s a father-son combination worth cherishing.

SCOREBOARD​

RICHMOND 2.4 10.7 10.11 12.12 (84)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 6.3 8.5 9.11 12.17 (89)
GOALS
Tigers: Lynch 2, Ryan 2, Bolton 2, Cumberland, Clarke, Hopper, Ralphsmith, Martin, Taranto
Bulldogs: Naughton 3, Liberatore 2, English 2, Lobb, Daniel, Macrae, Hannan, McComb
SMART’S BEST
Tigers: Rioli, Taranto, Bolton, Martin
Bulldogs: English, Bontempelli, Dale, Liberatore, Naughton, Macrae
INJURIES
Tigers: Graham (hamstring),
Bulldogs: Keath (concussion), Crozier (back)
VENUE
56,449 at MCG
NICK SMART’S VOTES
3- Tim English (WB)
2- Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
1- Daniel Rioli (Rich)
Click to expand...
I can't believe the journo couldn't find a vote for Bailey Dale.
 
blagodellago said:
Not having Richards in the dogs best was the bigger miss, imo


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app
Click to expand...
Pretty well spread game from our best players which is nice, I’d have Bont best on pretty easily and then any of Richards, English, Dale, Libba, Daniel, Naughty, Adzy could make a case for top 3 IMO
 
Dogs_R_Us said:
Let’s face it, many journos don’t know our players and are not interested enough to pay attention.
Click to expand...
This Journalist's dad worked for the club for over 30 years and follows the club. May know a bit

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What They're Saying - The Bulldogs Media Thread - Part 4

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