One of the most iconic Dogs of the modern era has called it quits.
Tom Liberatore, the left-footed midfielder who only ever did things his way, on Tuesday told teammates he is retiring.
He amassed 268 games for the club he supported as a child and finished on the podium in seven best and fairest awards.
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It’s understood the 34-year-old made the decision across the weekend to hang up the boots, following a string of concussions and knee injuries which allowed him to play just 10 senior games in 2026.
Respectful conversations with the club last week also played an important role in Liberatore reaching the decision to retire.
By the time the Dogs played on Saturday night, he knew 2026 would be his last season.
Liberatore was training to return for a possible semi-final berth in Brisbane this weekend, but the club’s season – and ultimately his career – came to an end when Adelaide prevailed in an elimination final.
The St Bernand’s Football Club junior was touted as a draft prospect in 2010 alongside his close friend and schoolmate Mitch Wallis.
Together they attended St Kevin’s College and represented the Calder Cannons.
Wallis was selected with pick No.22 in the national draft, while Liberatore was taken as a father-son with pick 40 following a bid from the Sydney Swans.
Liberatore’s breakout season came in 2013, and despite a tumultuous year for the club in 2014, the on-baller won his only best and fairest, edging Jack Macrae for the top gong.
In the Dogs’ drought-breaking 2016 premiership season, he played 21 games, which included a 19-tackle outing against Melbourne in Round 8.
A fortnight after winning the flag, Liberatore was in Vietnam sporting a wacky haircut and playing in the ruck for Macau in the AFL Asia Championships.
His best years came from 2020-2023. In four straight seasons he finished either second or third in the club’s best and fairest.
Last year he finished third in the Charles Sutton Medal and was named in the All-Australian squad for the third time.
But this year he struggled for continuity, adding just 11 games to his overall tally due to knee and concussion concerns.
Liberatore hails from a rich Western Bulldogs family, with his father Tony having played 283 games for the club from 1986-2002.
