WESTERN Bulldogs veteran Tom Liberatore has retired after 268 games in the red, white and blue.
Liberatore, 34, called it quits after a difficult 2026 that saw him play just 11 AFL games due to multiple injury and concussion issues.
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A father-son recruit in 2010, Liberatore played in the club's drought-breaking 2016 premiership and won the Charles Sutton Medal two years earlier.
Liberatore finished in the top three in the best and fairest on five other occasions.
"This club and its community have been such a huge part of my life," Liberatore said.
"I'm so fortunate to have lived out my dream for 16 years, from watching my old man play for the club to being part of a premiership that meant so much to all of our fans and to the western suburbs, it's been a real privilege.
"I still love being here and competing each week but it's time for me to step aside, spend more time with my family and friends and support this great club from the stands.
"I've built lifelong friendships with many teammates through the years, that's what means the most to me.
"I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone at the club: players, coaches and staff for the amount of effort and time they've dedicated to me over the years.
"I also want to thank the members and fans who have been incredible during my time here and supported me through all of the ups and downs.
"I'm really proud of where the club is going and excited about what the group is capable of moving forward. I'm looking forward to watching on with a beer in hand."
The much-loved Liberatore twice ruptured his ACL, but still managed to produce consistently for the Bulldogs.
Tom and Tony Liberatore became only the second father-son pairing to play 250 games for the same club, joining Essendon duo Ken and Dustin Fletcher.
"Tom has been the spiritual catalyst within our playing ranks for such a long period of time," Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said.
"Through the challenges he has faced, he has had a fierce will and desire to claw his way back. 'Libba' has always set about influencing everyone he comes in contact with in his own unique, caring and quirky characteristic way.
"Always a fierce competitor, he has been inspirational with his tenacity and confrontational brand ensuring his teammates always walk a little taller and feel a little more self-assured.
"I am extremely grateful to have coached Tom and I know all of our people see it as a great privilege to have shared Tom's AFL football experience with him."
