AFL MRO News: Western Bulldogs star slapped with huge fine for strike in Brisbane Lions defeat
Western Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore has been fined heavily by the Match Review Officer for striking the Brisbane Lions' Jarrod Berry in the Round 13 clash on Friday, June 7. The incident, which occurred in the first quarter of the Bulldogs' 43-point loss (114-71), has seen the 32-year-old cop a fine of $1,875.
Liberatore was involved in a scuffle involving Berry and Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli. In an attempt to assist his skipper in the brief clash, Liberatore struck the Brisbane midfielder. The 2016 premiership player was not the only Bulldog involved in the melee but was singled out for a fine by the Match Review Officer.
Liberatore was charged with a striking offence, and his penalty was graded as a fixed financial sanction of $1,875. However, if he accepts the sanction and throws in an early plea as a show of penitence, he will end up paying $1,250.
This latest verdict intensifies what has been a challenging season for Liberatore, who was just returning to the pitch after being sidelined for weeks due to a concussion. Liberatore suffered a second head injury in 2024 during his team's Round 8 loss to Hawthorn. He had also experienced a concussion against Essendon earlier in the season.
The Western Bulldogs are taking extreme precautionary measures with their star midfielder, who could be one knock away from forced retirement following four concussions in 12 months.
Who will the Western Bulldogs face in Round 14?
After losing their seventh match of the season to the Brisbane Lions, the Western Bulldogs will look to recover in the upcoming round against the Fremantle Dockers.
The Dogs were expected to perform well against the Lions after their impressive victory over Collingwood in Round 12. However, Luke Beveridge's side failed to make it two wins in a row, losing 114-17 to Brisbane. Next week, they will face a tougher opponent in the Fremantle Dockers, who will be fully rested and energized following a bye in Round 13.
The Western Bulldogs are currently four points behind the top eight, with 24 points from 13 games. They will be aiming to deliver a better performance in the upcoming round.