In a year full of uncertainty, one thing has been certain for the Western Bulldogs each week.
Tom Liberatore will be at the bottom of a pack, winning the footy.
The 28-year-old has been in arguably career-best form this season, overcoming injury and navigating the challenges of footy and hub life with his young family.
Liberatore has embraced all that 2020 has to offer, including the opportunity to learn a new skill in the Gold Coast hub.
He’s riding the wave on multiple fronts, you could say.
“I’ve bought myself a nice little shred sled, I’m pretty keen on the water,” Liberatore told SEN’s Bob and Andy.
“I’m trying to teach myself how to surf.
“Naughty’s actually pretty handy. He didn’t even know how to do it, but he just jumped straight in and he was a gun. Joshy Bruce is pretty good too.”
Roarke Smith and high performance staff member Nick Stone have been Liberatore’s lead ‘surfing mentors’ in the hub.
Alongside fellow surf rookie Caleb Daniel, he’s taking it step by step.
“Caleb and myself, we’re still in the kiddie waters,” Liberatore said with a laugh.
“We can’t get too far out.
“I could probably count three times (I’ve stood up on the board). There’s a bit of learning to go.
“Once you catch the wave, I get too scared… because I’m going way too quick for my liking so I can’t actually get up because I’m gobsmacked I caught the wave without getting dumped.”
The surfing remains a work in progress, but Liberatore’s work on the field has been exceptional.
Alongside fellow midfielder Lachie Hunter, Liberatore was sensational against Fremantle in helping the Bulldogs secure a finals berth for a second year running.
He’s averaging 21.1 disposals and 4.7 clearances a game – but stats aside, the Bulldogs just look a better team with the number 21 at his best and bringing his fellow midfielders into the play.
“I’m pretty fortunate to be still going and putting consecutive games together,” Liberatore said.
“I think the positive side of short games has helped me. The short turnarounds have been challenging at times, but taking four minutes off each quarter has been a bit beneficial for the old joints.
“It’s a been pretty good connection (in the midfield), we’ve built some nice chemistry over the last six weeks I guess. It’s pretty nice heading into the finals with that crew.”
Liberatore was one of nine players who featured against the Dockers who played on that famous day in 2016.
He admits it’s a long time ago – and while the Bulldogs have again finished seventh, it’s a different group, a different year and just an excitement about being back playing finals footy.
“It gives us an optimistic feel around where we’re headed,” Liberatore said.
How we’ve handled this year as well, it’s a little bit of a celebration in a positive way as an achievement because it’s always nice to make the finals.
“There’s a good bit of enthusiasm and optimism around the club at the moment.”
