bornadog
22-07-2015, 12:08 AM
Link (http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/tom-liberatore-back-training-with-the-bulldogs-20150721-gihae9.html)
http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/i/3/c/q/t/image.related.articleLeadNarrow.300x0.gihae9.png/1437492214439.jpg
As the Western Bulldogs prepare for a major clash against Collingwood, midfielder Tom Liberatore has returned to the club, with his focus on continuing to rehabilitate his reconstructed knee.
Liberatore joined teammates at the Whitten Oval on Monday. The club and his management had little to add, other than it's "business as usual" for last year's best and fairest and a man elevated into this year's leadership group.
The tough inside midfielder had found himself in trouble after missing a series of team activities due to excessive partying.
He had planned a trip to Europe with friends outside of the club but was diverted to Thailand to continue his rehabilitation.
In a statement earlier this month, club president Peter Gordon said: "While the club accepts that Tom has had some difficult issues to deal with in 2015, the recent behaviour failed to meet our standards and expectations of him.
"In consultation with Tom and his advisers, the club has had a detailed plan in place for Tom's education and rehabilitation in 2015, as well as for his participation in supporting his teammates and the team. That plan has now been modified to reflect his recent behaviour.
"The club has and will continue to provide Tom with all relevant support. We have also made, and will continue to make, our expectations very clear to him."
Liberatore suffered a season-ending ACL injury during the pre-season competition, with his absence expected to hamper the Dogs midfield hopes. However, the Bulldogs have emerged as one of the major improvers of the season.
Under coach Luke Beveridge, Luke Dahlhaus is one of several players to enjoy a stand-out season, and ranks elite in all major categories, highlighting why many regard him now as one of the league's best onballers.
This was reinforced in his 37-possession game against Geelong on Saturday. He was the only Bulldog who polled votes in the AFL Coaches Association awards, where he was ranked third best on ground behind Josh Caddy and Mitch Duncan.
The Bulldogs and Magpies will battle for the Robert Rose Cup at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The Dogs will look to strengthen their hold on sixth spot while the Magpies must arrest a slide which has left them outside the top eight.
http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/i/3/c/q/t/image.related.articleLeadNarrow.300x0.gihae9.png/1437492214439.jpg
As the Western Bulldogs prepare for a major clash against Collingwood, midfielder Tom Liberatore has returned to the club, with his focus on continuing to rehabilitate his reconstructed knee.
Liberatore joined teammates at the Whitten Oval on Monday. The club and his management had little to add, other than it's "business as usual" for last year's best and fairest and a man elevated into this year's leadership group.
The tough inside midfielder had found himself in trouble after missing a series of team activities due to excessive partying.
He had planned a trip to Europe with friends outside of the club but was diverted to Thailand to continue his rehabilitation.
In a statement earlier this month, club president Peter Gordon said: "While the club accepts that Tom has had some difficult issues to deal with in 2015, the recent behaviour failed to meet our standards and expectations of him.
"In consultation with Tom and his advisers, the club has had a detailed plan in place for Tom's education and rehabilitation in 2015, as well as for his participation in supporting his teammates and the team. That plan has now been modified to reflect his recent behaviour.
"The club has and will continue to provide Tom with all relevant support. We have also made, and will continue to make, our expectations very clear to him."
Liberatore suffered a season-ending ACL injury during the pre-season competition, with his absence expected to hamper the Dogs midfield hopes. However, the Bulldogs have emerged as one of the major improvers of the season.
Under coach Luke Beveridge, Luke Dahlhaus is one of several players to enjoy a stand-out season, and ranks elite in all major categories, highlighting why many regard him now as one of the league's best onballers.
This was reinforced in his 37-possession game against Geelong on Saturday. He was the only Bulldog who polled votes in the AFL Coaches Association awards, where he was ranked third best on ground behind Josh Caddy and Mitch Duncan.
The Bulldogs and Magpies will battle for the Robert Rose Cup at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The Dogs will look to strengthen their hold on sixth spot while the Magpies must arrest a slide which has left them outside the top eight.