Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has provided limited information regarding the playing future of Tom Liberatore, who is sidelined indefinitely following a severe concussion. The 31-year-old midfielder sustained the injury during a round eight match against Hawthorn, where a stray boot to the head caused a frightening scene, leaving his forehead split open.
The club issued a statement explaining that Liberatore’s concussion resulted from an accidental incident. Given that it was his second concussion in a few weeks, the decision was made to extend his recovery period beyond the standard 12-day protocol. The statement clarified, “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. 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.”
Two weeks after the incident, Beveridge addressed questions about Liberatore’s future but admitted he had no new information on the player’s condition. “I’m not sure (about the panel) … I was asked that question the other day, and we haven’t had any instruction in that regard,” Beveridge said on Thursday. He emphasized that updates would come from the medical team, as he, being the senior coach, was not in a position to provide detailed comments on medical matters.
Beveridge did confirm that Liberatore, a key player in the Bulldogs’ 2016 premiership win, has been training with the club but refrained from commenting on any improvements in his condition. “He’s in today and he’ll be training, but as far as the prospect of what’s coming up for him … I just need to leave that to the medical field,” he added.
