Tom Liberatore is yet to play his 50^th game but he is averaging more clearances, contested possessions and has laid more tackles this year than most of the elite players in the competition. 

Ranked first in the competition for total clearances, third in contested possessions and eleventh in tackles, the Western Bulldogs father-son recruit is showing he can match it with the best inside the contest – and he is only getting started.

Drafted to the Club in 2011, the 21-year-old has emerged as a vital component in a already strong Bulldog midfield. 

Approaching Sunday’s game against West Coast in eye-catching form, Liberatore is poised to play his 50^th match, in what is shaping up to be a long career at the kennel. 

Statistical Snapshot

• Tom Liberatore is ranked first in total tackles, clearances and contested possessions at the Bulldogs this season
• He is also placed second in total inside 50s, second in disposals, second in rebound 50s and is one of just six players to appear in every game this season
• The 21-year-old placed third in average clearances in his first year at the Bulldogs (4.1), second in 2012 (5.9) and first this season (7.7)
• In the past twelve months, Liberatore has gone from 14^th in clearances to first in the league, 35^th in average contested possessions to third and 131^st in total tackles to 11^th
• The father-son recruit has found a game-high number of clearances on nine occasions this year and a game-high number of contested possessions in another nine matches this season