A seven-person leadership group has been announced by the Western Bulldogs for 2024.
Tom Liberatore, a club favorite, has rejoined the Western Bulldogs’ leadership group for the 2024 campaign, after a nine-year absence.
Marcus Bontempelli, in his fifth year as captain, will have three fresh faces to help him: Ed Richards, Liam Jones, and Liberatore.
The 31-year-old has been elected vice-captain for the upcoming season, while Aaron Naughton and Caleb Daniel will continue to lead their group as deputy vice-captains.
Veteran defender Taylor Duryea has also been kept in the captaincy group, although vice captain Jack Macrae for 2023 will not be participating in official leadership duties.
Liberatore said in a club statement that he was honored to be elected into the position by his colleagues and to have further input from the directors of the football departments at the club.
The Bulldog father-son declared, “It’s really an honor to be voted into a leadership position by my teammates, and it’s something I won’t take for granted.”
“I have always strived to lead by example on the pitch, and I enjoy representing our football team every week. I’ll keep doing everything in my power to support this team’s success on and off the field.
“Marcus is leading a fantastic group of leaders already, and I’m excited to help out however I can this season.”
Liberatore was first promoted to a leadership group post in 2015, but he left the role after that year.
Liberatore, who is starting his 15th season in blue, white, and red, will play more games for the team than his current total of 216.
On Sunday, March 17, the Bulldogs’ 2024 season will begin with a Round 1 matchup against Melbourne at the MCG.
