Tom Liberatore back to 100 per cent fitness after knee reconstruction and is ready for big 2019

Tom Liberatore is back “100 per cent” fit after overcoming a serious knee injury and is feeling refreshing in his body and in his mind for a big 2019 season. The gun midfielder opens up about his tough year out of the game that has made him stronger.

Tom Liberatore in action at Bulldogs training. Picture: Michael Klein

Western Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore is fighting fit ahead of his return from a knee reconstruction and is mentally refreshed after a year out of the game.

Liberatore tore his anterior cruciate ligament in Round 1 and missed the remainder of the season, forced to watch on as the Bulldogs failed to play finals for a second successive year.

After rejecting overtures from rival clubs as a free agent, the premiership midfielder re-signed with the club for next season and is ready to hit the ground running.

PREMIERSHIP DOG: LIBBERATORE RE-SIGNS WITH BULLDOGS FOR 2019

NEW TATT: LIBERATORE HAS SOME NUTTY NEW INK

THE COACH: BEVERIDGE CONFIDENT DOGS CAN BOUNCE BACK

He’s now back “100 per cent” fit and training fully after receiving medical clearance last week.

“I did the first bit of match simulation last Thursday. We did about 30 minutes of match practice and it (my knee) held up well,” Liberatore said.

“I am still a bit slow and getting used to the pace but fitness-wise it was alright.”

Liberatore used his time out of the game to not only refresh his body and rehab his knee but to also take a mental break from the game.

Tom Liberatore in action at Bulldogs training. Picture: Michael Klein

He took time away from the club mid-season before jetting to Europe over the off-season.

“It helped the mental side of recovery for me and I guess I’m fortunate to be at a good club that has had plenty of experience with ACLs in recent times,” Liberatore told the AFL Players’ Association website.

“They know how to handle it, and that mid-year break was also a big factor in how I got through the recovery period.

EX-TIGER: SAM LLOYD ENJOYING LIFE AS A BULLDOG

“It wasn’t as bad as my first knee because I knew what I was in for, but it was good to get away because then you have four weeks away, then you get closer and closer to progressing with the rehab and then I didn’t have to wait too long to start running again.”

Liberatore also took the opportunity to spend time alone with his thoughts, working on personal development and study, including writing poetry.

The 26-year-old believes getting himself in a healthy state of mind will translate to good form on the field next year.

Liberatore is back “100 per cent” fit after a knee reconstruction. Picture: Michael Klein

“Reflecting back on it now, it has probably been one of the most enjoyable years of my life because I was able to do more uni and develop off-field things, like doing a bit of work with a friend who is interested in some social enterprise stuff and helping buskers and homeless people around the city,” Liberatore said.

“I felt that I learnt to develop an identity around myself, rather than basing it around footy.”

Luke Beveridge’s team had a wretched run with injuries this year and Liberatore’s return will be critical in their ability to rise back up the ladder after missing the finals the last two years.

The Bulldogs are training in Torquay this week before taking a break over the Christmas period and returning in January to ramp up preparations for preseason games and Round 1.

Liberatore is confident the Bulldogs can be a force again next year.

“It is really positive at the moment,” Liberatore said. “We have a very grounded group of young players, and a wise set of heads at the top. It’s a good combination, and we’re a close group as well. We give feedback easily and can take it quite clearly.

“If we’re all fit, I think we will be a hard side to beat next year.”

Originally published as Tom Liberatore back to 100 per cent fitness after knee reconstruction and is ready for big 2019