WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore has taken further steps in his return from a knee reconstruction, returning to training ahead of teammates this week.
Liberatore was among several teammates at the Dogs' Whitten Oval headquarters on Wednesday, with the full squad set to come back on Friday.
The 2016 premiership Bulldog took part in a running program, with some light skills also involved in the session.
Among the other players on the track were emerging defender Aaron Naughton and fellow backman Fletcher Roberts.
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Liberatore is back in full training after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in round one last season that saw him miss the rest of the year.
It was the second ACL injury the 26-year-old has suffered in his 117-game career with the club, having missed the whole 2015 season.
He will be aiming for a return in the Dogs' JLT Community Series clashes, before they open their home and away season against Sydney at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, March 23.
Liberatore's future at the Dogs was in question throughout last season as he remained out of contract until signing a new deal late in October last year following the trade and free agency period.
