Tom Liberatore will be vice-captain of the Western Bulldogs in 2024

Gun Western Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore has ended a nine-year exile from his clubs’s leadership group after being named vice-captain to superstar skipper Marcus Bontempelli.

Liberatore, 31, joins star defender Liam Jones and Ed Richards as new additions to the seven-man group, with Taylor Duryea, Aaron Naughton and Caleb Daniel remaining from last season.

A premiership player and club best and fairest, as well as the son of club legend and Brownlow medallist Tony, Liberatore was voted back in to the leadership position by his teammates after a brilliant couple of recent seasons,

Unlucky not to be named all-Australian in 2023, Liberatore, who has played 216 games across 12 seasons, has also mentored a number of young midfielders at the club. readying him for the next stage of his leadership journey.

“I’m really honoured to be voted into a leadership position by my teammates and it’s something I won’t take for granted,” Liberatore said.

“I love representing this footy club every week and have always tried to lead on-field by my actions. I’ll continue to do everything I can to help this team succeed both on and off the field.

“We’ve already got a great group of leaders led by Marcus and I can’t wait to contribute in any way I can this season.”

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, said that after an extensive process, the club was pleased with the seven-man leadership group which doesn’t include veteran midfielder Jack Macrae.

“The players have worked diligently to establish criteria that represents how a respected leader positively influences people and outcomes,” Beveridge said.

“Through a recognition process, facilitated by Jarryn Geary, our designated leadership group has grown. We congratulate Liam Jones, Ed Richards and Tom Liberatore who join Marcus Bontempelli, Aaron Naughton, Caleb Daniel and Taylor Duryea, making it seven members in the group.

“Significantly, Tom Liberatore is our new vice-captain, with Naughts and Caleb now having Deputy Vice Captain status to support Marcus as Captain and Tom.

“We recognise Jack Macrae’s contribution as Vice-Captain over the last two years and his impact as a leader over his journey so far. Jack will come out of the Leadership group in 2024.”

The Bulldogs open their 2024 campaign against Melbourne in Round 1.

WESTERN BULLDOGS LEADERS

Captain: Marcus Bontempelli

Vice-captain: Tom Liberatore

Leadership group: Ed Richards, Liam Jones, Aaron Naughton, Caleb Daniel, Taylor Duryea