Disposal-shy Libba not worrying Beveridge

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-05-1...oach-beveridge

Libba won't be dropped.

A DOWNTURN in output from Tom Liberatore isn't a concern for Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, despite the gun playmaker failing to hit top form in 2017.

Liberatore, 25 on Tuesday, had just eight disposals in the Dogs' loss to West Coast in round eight, and his remarkably quiet night came in a season in which the 2014 best and fairest is averaging just 17.25 disposals a game.

Renowned for his elite hands and vision, Liberatore has only logged 36 kicks in a handball-happy Bulldog outfit.

Liberatore's 68 tackles this season see him sit only six behind Crow Rory Sloane in that vitally important aspect of the game, but Beveridge doesn't believe it's evidence the gifted ball winner has become too defensive.

As the Bulldogs look to break a 10-game losing streak against Geelong on Friday night, the premiers will be hoping Liberatore can recapture the form that saw him outplay Cats' superstar Patrick Dangerfield in the corresponding clash last season before a leg injury ended his night early.

"Tom's role varies from week to week, (but) there's no doubt at times we put some time into opposition midfielders, which he has," Beveridge said on Tuesday.

"That will affect his accumulation, but it hasn't varied to any significant degree. He's looking to grow his game out in other areas where it's dried up, so we'll continue to help him do that."

Liberatore is the least productive of the Bulldogs' prime movers when it comes to getting involved with the attacking side of the game this year, having a hand in just 4.9 per cent of scores and recording just one goal assist.

And with just two goals to his name so far this season, the left-footer will need to return to his damaging best if he's to surpass his 2016 tally of 16 majors.

"It's not alarming if you consider his defensive aspects, but we'd like him to be involved in a few more chains (of play) and in our offence a little bit more," Beveridge said.

"We're trying to explore that – not just with him - but with his teammates who play in (the midfield) as well.

"We think it will get back on track."