Western Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore has been awarded the 2022 John Schultz Community Award at the Charles Sutton Medal count on Wednesday evening.  

Heralded for his long-standing work with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, Liberatore becomes the first player to win the award on multiple occasions, first bestowed the honour in 2019. 

Liberatore has been a passionate mentor within the GOAL program for African-Australian young people from across the West since its inception in 2019. 

The program sees young people paired with AFL and AFLW players and community mentors, who work together in a range of workshops and activities, designed to enhance participants employability, leadership skills and confidence.  

Liberatore has been an advocate within the Bulldogs’ playing group, encouraging the involvement of several teammates within Foundation programs each season.  

General Manager of Community and Government Relations at the Western Bulldogs, Kashif Bouns, highlighted Liberatore’s dedication to giving back to the community of the West. 

“We have been very fortunate that both our AFL & AFLW playing lists take a keen interest in the Foundation’s work, and  m has consistently contributed to the Community Foundation over several years,” Bouns said.  

“He has always gone above and beyond to ensure that our participants get the most out of our programs. 

“Tom’s willingness to give back, combined with his fun loving and caring attitude, means he is held in high regard by participants, delivery partners and staff.”