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Bulldogs embrace finals excitement
Australian People's Party
After putting career-threatening concussion issues behind him, Tom Liberatore plans to embrace every aspect of the Western Bulldogs' return to the finals next month.
Liberatore's playing future was left uncertain when he was ruled out indefinitely in May, after suffering a second concussion in a few weeks – and his fourth in a year.
Shocking images show the veteran midfielder in a daze and falling to the ground after being accidentally kicked to the head by an opponent during the Bulldogs' clash with Hawthorn in Round 8.
It was the only game Liberatore played in an eight-week spell, but the 32-year-old has not missed a game since returning in round 14, playing a key role in the Bulldogs' march into September.
The Dogs face Hawthorn in the elimination final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground next Friday.
Tom Liberatore of the Bulldogs.credit: AFL Pictures
“There were certain periods throughout that period where I was frustrated about not being able to play and be a part of what was happening. [has become] “Our team is the team that will qualify for the finals,” Liberatore said on Thursday.
“Coming to the end of my career has made me appreciate every little moment even more.
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“The technical side of making sure I manage and stay away from knee and head injuries, which were the cause of most of them, I definitely worked on that with Lady.” [midfield coach Brendon Lade]”That definitely helped.”
More than 90,000 fans are expected to attend Melbourne Stadium for the game to watch the Bulldogs play their first home final in Melbourne since the famous 2016 grand final.
The team has since played seven finals – including a loss in the 2021 Grand Final to Melbourne – in Sydney, Brisbane, Launceston, Adelaide and Perth.
“We've talked about it already and we're very excited about the possibility,” Liberatore said of playing in front of a big crowd.
We rated overall enjoyment levels and excitement levels. [we are] “And we have to embrace the nature of the finals. The finals are back in Melbourne and we haven’t played a final in Melbourne for a while, so that’s another factor we’re all looking forward to and can share with friends and family.”
Liberatore is confident midfielder Adam Treloar (calf) and Laytham Vandermeer (hamstring) will be fit to play against Hawthorn, with the break before the final giving them extra time to work through their problems. Gamarra Ogle-Hagan missed Thursday's training session at Whitten Oval but is no doubt about his availability for the Hawks clash.
New offers for veteran Pies players
Australian People's Party
Jeremy Howe and Will Hoskin Elliott have signed new one-year contracts with Collingwood, joining fellow veterans Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom in securing deals for 2025.
Jeremy Howe has signed a further year with Collingwood.credit: Getty Images
Pendlebury announced in June that he would continue playing, while reports earlier this month suggested Sidebottom would also continue playing. The club announced the four contracts on Thursday.
“All four players are highly regarded and play integral roles for our program on and off the field,” said Collingwood list manager Justin Leppich.
“Their leadership and expertise are invaluable to our environment, and each plays a key role in educating and mentoring the next generation of young talent.”
Sidebottom, a dual premiership player who turns 34 in January, will be in his 17th season alongside fellow great Pendlebury, who will be starting his 20th. Howe, 34, has been vice-captain for the past seven years after joining Collingwood from Melbourne for the 2016 season. Hoskin Elliott, who turns 31 on Monday, moved to the Magpies from GWS at the end of 2016.
Meanwhile, Adelaide midfielder Sam Perry has signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the Crows. The Victorian-born player has made 57 appearances since being selected by Adelaide in 2020.
Tom Hawkins open to VFL return
Retired Geelong star Tom Hawkins appears open to a return after his injury layoff in the AFL as he narrows his path back to the first team in his final month as an Australian rules footballer.
Tom Hawkins will be hoping to return to the pitch as the team chase the A-League and Victorian Football League titles.credit: Getty Images
Hawkins has not played since slipping and injuring his left foot in a harmless incident against Carlton in June, but says he is expected back next week.
His replacement Shannon Neal showed promise in filling the gap in attack as the team finished third in the standings and booked their place in next Thursday's qualifying final against Port Adelaide.
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The Cats' reserves also finished fourth in the Victorian Football League, meaning they will play at least two finals, starting with this week's elimination final against Werribee.
Hawkins' form had declined in the weeks leading up to his injury as he overtook Joel Selwood as Geelong's all-time AFL appearance holder. He had also played a number of AFL games earlier in his career, including scoring twice in the Cats' 2007 premiership.
Since his departure from the stadiums, he has become 36 years old and announced his plans to retire at the end of the season.
Hawkins admitted to school friend Xavier Ellis on 92.9 Triple M Perth that a return to the Victorian Football League was not out of the question.
“Honestly, I think anything is possible. If I can achieve what is required and return to the pitch, I think I would rather play football than not play. We will wait and see, but it is definitely possible,” he said.
“I came into the AFL system and I’m playing in the VFL in my first year and I’ve come out (the same way).”
“I would like to get back to playing football. I have trained hard and diligently and it was always my plan to get back to playing football.”
Hawkins' injury has healed more slowly than the team initially anticipated, and his plan to play “next week” could be complicated if the VFL side wins the qualifying final against Werribee on Saturday and gets a week off.
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“I'm going well, it's been very slow, I was hoping there would be more clarity along the way, but unfortunately that's just a result of the injury.
“The truth is that I weigh 110kg and I play in a unique way. I rely on my feet and they didn’t take the load at the beginning but I see some really good progress now.
“I guess I'm trying to schedule next week to play some football.”
“I'm not sure what it's going to look like, but I still have a few very important sessions to do in the next 10 days before I have full clarity on what I'm doing.”
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