Liberatore ruled out after 'concerning' mid-game collapse

The Bulldogs will be without Tom Liberatore for their clash against the Saints

WESTERN Bulldogs veteran Tom Liberatore has been ruled out of next week's game against St Kilda, despite being cleared of a concussion after Friday night's loss to Essendon.

Liberatore collapsed suddenly late in the game at Marvel Stadium against the Bombers before making it to his feet and continuing to play. The club confirmed on Saturday that he had passed a head injury assessment on Friday night and had no concussion symptoms when assessed again on Saturday morning.

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However, the club has decided to put Liberatore in concussion protocols – ruling him out of the game against the Saints on Thursday night – out of an abundance of caution.

"Given the concerning nature of in-game footage during the final minutes that show Tom falling to the ground, the club's medical team has subsequently reached a decision to place him in concussion protocols," the club said in a statement.

"This decision has been taken with an abundance of caution, with Tom's health and wellbeing the absolute priority.

"As a result, Tom will miss Thursday's match against St Kilda and will continue to be monitored."

Post-match, the broadcast showed behind-the-goals vision of Liberatore stumbling to the ground, much to the alarm of opponent Darcy Parish, who immediately signalled for trainers.

Liberatore had 25 disposals and 10 clearances in the Bulldogs' defeat.

They fell to 2-3 and will now be without the gun midfielder for an important clash against the Saints.