Tony Liberatore joins WFNL club in new role
Tony Liberatore has jumped on board with a local footy club in Melbourne’s west in a new role. Here’s what he’ll do and why he’s having an immediate impact.
Western
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Brownlow medallist Tony Liberatore might be the biggest signing of the off-season for a local footy club in Melbourne’s west.
The former Western Bulldogs star has been unveiled as a club ambassador for Point Cook Centrals in the Western Football Netball League.
But his title is simply just that because the 58-year-old has already brought so much to the club in a short space of time.
Sharks senior men’s coach Dean Chambers said he was first introduced to “Libba” several years ago where he befriended him.
“It’s fantastic for the club to have someone of his knowledge and experience,” Chambers said.
“We were able to ask him to come down through another connection at the club and he’s already been done to several sessions during pre-season training.
“Just being able to tap into his knowledge has been excellent for our coaching staff and the players. He knows the ins and outs of the games.
“He’s about to pass on the little things others might just miss. We’ve had plenty of phone calls away from footy as well, he’s just invested in what we’re doing.”
Chambers and the club will have an emphasis on its younger players heading into 2025 and Liberatore’s arrival couldn’t have come at a better time according to the senior mentor.
“He’s got a real passion for working with young people,” he said.
“When he was first introduced to the club community, his first speech wasn’t about playing footy or what you do on the field.
“He was clear that he wanted to help us develop not just good footballers but good people.”
On the field, there are set to be some key changes at the Sharks next year with several regular senior players leaving the club.
Luke McGowan, Kyan Upsall (currently training with Williamstown VFL) and Tom Rowland are the key faces through the door.
Meanwhile, the club has confirmed a trio of important re-signings including midfielders Haidyn Shade and Mitch Palma alongside former captain Luke Henderson.
“They had some interest from other clubs and we worked hard to ensure we kept them,” Chambers said.
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