Time to Call It Quits: David King Advocates for Bulldogs Star Tom Liberatore’s Retirement Following Latest Concussion

Western Bulldogs standout Tom Liberatore will be sidelined for this weekend’s showdown against Sydney, following his seventh concussion since 2017, sustained during the round six defeat to Geelong.

In the wake of this alarming incident, North Melbourne great David King suggests that the 33-year-old should contemplate hanging up his boots to safeguard his health.

As one of the most resilient midfielders of the past decade, Liberatore has earned a reputation as an exceptional player in contested situations and clearances, consistently putting in the hard work at stoppages.

However, he has now faced seven concussions over the past nine years, with the latest occurrence happening in round six against Geelong due to an accidental clash with Patrick Dangerfield.

Considering the potential long-term effects of recurring concussions and the increasing awareness surrounding these issues in sports circles, King strongly advises Liberatore to contemplate retirement for his own well-being.

“If I had half an hour with ‘Libba’, I’d say, ‘mate, it’s time to step away’. ‘You have another 50 to 60 years ahead of you, so continuing to take hits to the head is not worth it’,” King shared during an interview on SEN on Monday.

“We’re growing more informed about these matters. I don’t see the Bulldogs clinching the premiership this year, and not many would, considering the injury toll both from last weekend and their overall performance.”

“So, if they don’t win it this year, will they even retain Libba for next season? Would he still be a significant player for them?”

“I believe it’s time for him to prioritise his health.”

“I’m hoping he arrives at that conclusion on his own.”

When discussing whether the decision should be made by the AFL concussion panel or by Liberatore’s family, King stated that the responsibility ultimately lies with the player to make this crucial choice.

“You’d need to support him. Ultimately, it’s his choice to make, but I believe he needs people around him who are prepared to say, ‘hey mate, we care about you, and this is what needs to happen’,” King remarked.

“He could certainly return and be a capable player.

“However, there’s more to consider beyond just the concussion; there’s also the sub-concussive impacts he has experienced. He’s been leading with his head for 15 to 20 years, and that won’t change.

“I genuinely feel that the next incident could be one too many.”

Liberatore has played 260 games with the Bulldogs, including being part of the 2016 premiership winning team, and winning the club’s best and fairest in 2014 while finishing as runner-up three times. He is also the son of Brownlow Medallist and Bulldogs icon Tony Liberatore.

When asked about the veteran midfielder’s status on Tuesday, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge mentioned that Liberatore is feeling alright and is on track to resume following his exit from concussion protocols after round seven.

“Tom is in at the club today. He seems to be doing well. He came out of the match in decent shape,” Beveridge said.

“He is feeling fine, has been sleeping well, and does not have any headaches, which are encouraging signs.”

In 2025, the AFL’s concussion panel compelled West Coast champion Jeremy McGovern to retire due to his escalating list of concussions and worsening symptoms.

The 2018 premiership hero was left “gutted” by the decision but ultimately had to accept the end of his career.

Players such as Bruce Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw, Collingwood’s Nathan Murphy and Josh Carmichael, Brisbane’s Marcus Adams, West Coast’s Daniel Venables and Luke Edwards, as well as young Bulldog Aiden O’Driscoll, have all departed the game recently due to concussion-related issues.

However, Beveridge maintains that Liberatore has not yet reached a critical point of concern.

“He hasn’t been referred to the concussion panel,” Beveridge clarified.

“No, to my knowledge, he will undergo the necessary protocols, but I’m uncertain if that will make him available for the game against Fremantle.”

“We usually take a conservative approach when it comes to the welfare of players who have experienced head knocks.”

“Should any indicators suggest that Tom requires more time, I’m confident our medical crew will prevent him from playing. But he appears to be doing well. Nevertheless, he hasn’t been to a panel yet.”

Liberatore is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2026 season, having signed a one-year extension with the Bulldogs in 2025.