AFL Asia introduces ‘Libba Exemption’ following Tom Liberatore’s appearance last year

TOM Liberatore’s ruck exploits for Macau in last year’s AFL Asian Championships have left a lasting legacy. In fact, the competition has introduced a ‘Libba Exemption’ this year.

Tom Liberatore with last year’s premiership cup. Picture: Mark Stewart

IT SEEMS Tom Liberatore’s ruck exploits for Macau in last year’s AFL Asian Championships have left a lasting legacy.

Libba’s quirky off-season this time 12 months ago saw him playing in that year’s competition in Vietnam, complete with head shaving and beer swilling while resting on the bench.

This year’s edition kicks off in the Philippines on October 21, with the official rules and regulations document making interesting reading.

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Scroll down to rule 8.4 and you find the “Libba Exemption”.

The rule states: “If a player has won an AFL Grand Final within the previous month, he is permitted to play for a Second Division Team at Asian Champs.

Now Libba’s playing ruck for Macau in the AFL Asia Cup! #loose pic.twitter.com/H0kwYBJGmT

— BigFooty Bulldogs (@BigFootyDogs) October 16, 2016

“AFL Asia takes no responsibility for any breach of contractual obligations imposed by the AFL or its Clubs by that player taking the field.”

Maybe organisers were anticipating an appearance from Dustin Martin, with the Richmond superstar perhaps keen to add some Asian Championships silverware to his stunning 2017 trophy haul.

Liberatore’s Macau debut last October shocked the Western Bulldogs, but it would prove to be only the first speed hump in a volatile 2017 AFL season.

Tom Liberatore sporting his interesting haircut in the Asian Championships.

“You can’t put yourself at risk so I’m sure someone will be just reminding him that enjoy the next six weeks, but no more footy, mate,” Dogs list manager Jason McCartney said.

“The club, I’d imagine, will be making contact with him just to ... as a contracted player, and he’s come off an ACL 12 months ago, you’re not supposed to be doing those things.”