- Tom Liberatore collapsed in the center court of Marvel Stadium
- Collapse occurred minutes after Jake Stringer’s big hit
- Bulldogs have opted to rest the star midfielder in the next match
Tom Liberatore will be rested for the Western Bulldogs’ next AFL match after his dramatic collapse late in Friday night’s loss to Essendon.
The star midfielder fell to the ground with no one around at Marvel Stadium, prompting opponent Darcy Parish to signal to the benches for help.
The Bulldogs say their cleanup beast has passed concussion protocols but will sit out next Thursday night’s match against St Kilda following the ‘concerning’ incident.
Aware of the sensitivities surrounding concussions in the sport, the Dogs went out of their way to explain what was going on with Liberatore.
Tom Liberatore (pictured) fell to the ground while no one was around at Marvel Stadium
“Immediately following the match, Liberatore presented to the Bulldogs medical team with no symptoms of concussion and passed a head injury assessment conducted in accordance with AFL protocols,” the club said in a statement on Saturday afternoon.
‘Tom is still without concussion this morning. However, given the worrying nature of the in-game footage during the final minutes showing Tom falling to the ground, the club’s medical team subsequently decided to place him on concussion protocols.
‘This decision has been taken with great caution, with Tom’s health and well-being being the absolute priority.
‘As a result, Tom will miss Thursday’s match against St Kilda and will continue to be monitored.’
Immediately after the match, Liberatore and coach Luke Beveridge were more optimistic about the midfielder.
Liberatore told ABC Radio that he had lost his balance after spraining his ankle earlier in the last quarter, stating that he had no symptoms and had full recollection of the incident.
Beveridge said the experienced midfielder had been checked and cleared of any issues.
“For some reason he lost his balance and stumbled, but he’s fine,” Beveridge said.
Liberatore will be rested for the Western Bulldogs’ next match after his dramatic collapse
Liberatore reported to the Bulldogs’ medical team after the game without concussion and passed a head injury assessment
“He’s been taken care of and there’s no concussion or anything like that.
“We came in (to the locker room) to make sure he’s okay, and he’s apparently doing fine.”
Liberatore was one of the Bulldogs’ best against Essendon, scoring ten times in his 25 possessions, and he will be sorely missed as they try to bounce back from back-to-back losses.