WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore has escaped suspension but has been slapped with a fine for his high off-the-ball hit on Brisbane young gun Will Ashcroft.

Liberatore attempted to shove Ashcroft front-on at a stoppage deep in the Bulldogs' forward line in the second quarter, but his right hand made contact with the young Lion's neck, flooring him. 

The incident wasn't penalised, and moments later, the Dogs scored a goal from a holding the ball free kick.

Liberatore can accept a $1,875 fine (with an early guilty plea).

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Lions lose it after hot whistle and Libba’s whack

The Gabba erupts after a holding-the-ball call leads to a goal, followed by a replay of Tom Liberatore striking Will Ashcroft high

Published on Jul 18, 2025

Meanwhile, Lion Jaspa Fletcher has also been hit with a $1,000 fine (with an early plea) for careless contact with an umpire.