Over the next fortnight, westernbulldogs.com.au will look back on a season like no other – 2020 – reviewing every player who featured in more than three AFL games. 

Next is up is a pair of midfielders, in Tom Liberatore and Pat Lipinski.  

2020 Review: Johannisen, Keath 
2020 Review: Gardner, Hunter 
2020 Review: Dunkley, English 
2020 Review: Dale, Daniel 
2020 Review: Cordy, Crozier 
2020 Review: Bontempelli, Bruce

 

Tom Liberatore 

 
A fit and firing Tom Liberatore undoubtedly makes the Bulldogs a more formidable football team. 

That was clear for all to see in 2020. 

The 28-year-old had an incredible season, finishing third in the best and fairest to be a pivotal part of the Bulldogs’ midfield mix.  

After missing the first two games of the year, Liberatore – fittingly – returned in a fiery clash with the GWS Giants. His work in the tight situations was highlighted regularly throughout the year, as was his ability to bring his teammates into the game.  

01:06

By the numbers… 

Games: 16 
Goals: 5 
 
Disposals: 20.8 
Clearances: 4.6 
Score involvements: 5.1 
Tackles: 3.6 
Inside 50s: 2.6 

Best game: There’s no doubt in our minds the round 18 win against Fremantle was Liberatore’s best outing for 2020. With a finals spot up for grabs, he put in a mammoth performance against the Dockers in Cairns. Liberatore had 25 disposals – including 15 contested possessions. Plus seven clearances, eight tackles and a game-high 12 score involvements. 

 

Pat Lipinski 

Pat Lipinski filled a few roles for the Bulldogs throughout 2020.  

The 22-year-old featured at senior level on 13 occasions, spending time on the ball, on a wing and at times forward.  

00:54

Lipinski found plenty of the ball early in the season and had an impact in wins against Sydney, Gold Coast and Essendon, but found himself out of the side for a month after round 13 as the Bulldogs pushed towards the finals. 

He returned to have an impact in the last game of the home-and-away season, but was kept quiet in the elimination final.  

By the numbers…

Games: 13 
Goals: 5 
 
Disposals: 16.2 
Marks: 2.5 
Tackles: 2.4 
Score involvements: 4.5 

Best game: Lipinski was also a big contributor in the round 18 win against the Dockers. With a season-high 10 score involvements from 17 disposals, he was an important link player as the Bulldogs posted a five-goal win to seal a top-eight spot. Lipinski had 16 uncontested possessions and three tackles, plus he coolly slotted a second-quarter goal at an important moment.