In 2010 they were drafted as school mates into the AFL-ranks as father-son recruits, and now embarking on their fourth pre-season the expectations of the midfield pair is starting to change.
Core components of an emerging playing group, Mitch Wallis told Ten Eyewitness News that increasing playing time brings with it increased responsibility.
“You start to become part of the senior group which is very exciting, but there’s more of an onus on you to be more responsible and to have a greater leadership role,” Wallis said.
“I’m ready for that, I’m looking forward to it, excited about it.”
After a breakout 2013 Tom Liberatore by his own admission believes he still has much to improve in his game, adding hard work will be the cornerstone of the Club’s steady improvement.
“I suppose now it’s time to get into a big pre-season. I’m slowing finding my feet now in my fourth year,” said Liberatore.
“My gut running needs to improve I think, and maybe kick a few more goals.”
“There’s no secrets or special recipes to win a game of footy, it’s pretty straight down the line.”
Hard work has also been the hallmark of both Liberatore and Wallis’ work to create their own identity as players, and step away from the expectations that their fathers’ careers at the Kennel brought.
“You’ve got to forge your own name and the only way you can do that is by playing good footy and getting out on the park and playing games.”
