Injury Injuries 2026

[Foxman98]

I'd trust Libba more than an online forum of people far removed from the situation.

In any case I am sure all of this is being discussed internally.

What is clear though is that the league isn't medically retiring him

Well that's silly then isn't it

As someone who has had injury issues and still wanting to play I can tell you the player is going to want to play no matter what and often needs to be told to do so

When it comes to head injuries in particular even more care needs to be taken as it can and will cause him issues for the rest of his life e.g Liam Picken

 

[Doggy]

Well that's silly then isn't it

As someone who has had injury issues and still wanting to play I can tell you the player is going to want to play no matter what and often needs to be told to do so

When it comes to head injuries in particular even more care needs to be taken as it can and will cause him issues for the rest of his life e.g Liam Picken

The league hasn't medically retired him doesn't mean it won't happen from another angle?

I find it silly and strange that people here with no knowledge or skills in the field feel like they know what is going on and can make a determination. Let it play out without the speculation

 

[BigFloppa]

Once again Doggy is imposing his rule that only medical experts who have assessed the player are allowed to post on this board

 

[Doggy]

Once again Doggy is imposing his rule that only medical experts who have assessed the player are allowed to post on this board

His headaches aren't a pregnancy symptom

 

[Sentinel]

I find it so odd that Libba had to present to the AFL concussion panel when he was last concussed in 2024 (EDIT: no he didn't), but seemingly doesn't need to do that for this one - given the effects of concussion are cumulative.

Surely it would make sense for any player who presents to the panel once to be mandated to do so again for each subsequent concussion?

 

[Foxman98]

I find it so odd that Libba had to present to the AFL concussion panel when he was last concussed in 2024, but seemingly doesn't need to do that for this one - given the effects of concussion are cumulative.

Surely it would make sense for any player who presents to the panel once to be mandated to do so again for each subsequent concussion?

You would think so

He may be fine but really shouldn't be anywhere near him to decide

 

[Golden_6]

I find it so odd that Libba had to present to the AFL concussion panel when he was last concussed in 2024, but seemingly doesn't need to do that for this one - given the effects of concussion are cumulative.

Surely it would make sense for any player who presents to the panel once to be mandated to do so again for each subsequent concussion?

I tend to agree.

Even moreso if the symptons are ongoing. I initially thought he was feeling fine (even shortly after the game) after a minor concussion and that the club was just being conservative after another knock. Clearly not the case at all.

 

[Sentinel]

I tend to agree.

Even moreso if the symptons are ongoing. I initially thought he was feeling fine (even shortly after the game) after a minor concussion and that the club was just being conservative after another knock. Clearly not the case at all.

Bevo said as much in his press conference on April 20:

Bulldogs expect Liberatore to make speedy return from latest concussion

The Western Bulldogs have no serious concerns despite Tom Liberatore's latest concussion

www.afl.com.au

Actually also turns out he never had to front the concussion panel, which I thought was the case in 2024:

Liberatore suffered multiple high-profile concussions in 2024 but never needed to fight for his career in front of the league’s expert panel.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge last week said that remained the case.

Much-loved midfielder’s future up in the air as symptoms linger

Uncertainty continues to cloud the 33-year-old’s season and career.

7news.com.au

 

[bresker]

Oh apologies . Barrett was talking out of his fudge tunnel.

 

[Mojorisin]

Oh apologies . Barrett was talking out of his fudge tunnel.

No?! Never.

 

[Sully111]

Love the way Libba plays the game. Really hope he's ok.

 

[Dogs_r_barking]

Libba was in fine form on Monday night at the reunion.

Mitch Hannah was talking about being part of the VFL Premiership, and commented how starstruck he was as a former West Coast supporter being coached by Ashley Hansen

Ashley Hansen

Age

43

Ht

198cm

Wt

94kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.6

3star

K

8.1

3star

HB

3.4

3star

M

6.0

5star

T

1.3

3star

G

1.2

4star

No current season stats available

D

8.8

3star

K

7.4

3star

HB

1.4

2star

M

3.6

4star

T

1.2

3star

G

1.4

5star

, Libba pipped up to say, not so much starstruck but sun struck (remember Hansen was a redhead).

 

[cecil]

Libba in for knee surgery now. This is getting ridiculous.

 

[bresker]

Libba in for knee surgery now. This is getting ridiculous.

 

[TheScriptorWL]

Well...Probably for the best. Would rather get him cherry ripe for after the Bye and avoid being negligent.

 

[Norm De Guerre]

What an incredibly deliberate headline!

It reads like he's going in for concussion related brain surgery.

 

[bresker]

What an incredibly deliberate headline!

It reads like he's going in for concussion related brain surgery.

Gotta bait for the clicks

 

[Dogs 13]

What an incredibly deliberate headline!

It reads like he's going in for concussion related brain surgery.

“Knee” surgery being performed by a neurosurgeon

 

[threenewpadlocks]

In all honesty with regard to concussions the current stand-down period is pretty inadequate. Players really should be missing 2-4 games after every concussion, not just 1. The more you dig into the science of it the more you realise how player health and recover from a concussion should be monitored in this timeframe.

Like, objectively speaking, the Australian Sports Commission's strong recommendation for community sport and sport in general is a 21-day post-concussion stand-down period. I know your average park footballer doesn't have the same medical care as an AFL player, but they still recommend 21 days for a reason, on the basis of the science we know. I really don't see the issue with the fact that a concussion should be considered on the injury list for 2-4 games, not one.

 

[Norm De Guerre]

Soon...




...ish.

 

[Golden_6]

How is Garcia suddenly a test for this week after he was listed as 2-4 last week & TBC the week before that?

VDM is just about cooked at AFL level. You can't keep selecting someone that breaks down every third game.

 

[Mhiggo]

How is Garcia suddenly a test for this week after he was listed as 2-4 last week & TBC the week before that?

VDM is just about cooked at AFL level. You can't keep selecting someone that breaks down every third game.

Same with Treloar unfortunately

 

[Sentinel]

How is Garcia suddenly a test for this week after he was listed as 2-4 last week & TBC the week before that?

VDM is just about cooked at AFL level. You can't keep selecting someone that breaks down every third game.

Vandermeer reminds me a little of Easton Wood in his early days with how often he breaks down. They managed to fix Wood for a decent period (from memoery I think it was related to the bulk in his quads) before he had issues again towards the end of his career.

 

[Bald]

The information regarding Libba is interesting. If he ever wanted to access the insurance for concussion related issues, right now he could. If he plays another minute of senior football he won't be able to.

I'm not saying he'd ever choose money over playing for the club, but I could completely understand if he did.

 

[JohnnySteel]

VDM will get another go at senior level when he returns from injury, even though he breaks down. He was looking great. And could be seen as the 23rd man. But if the rotations increase, I can’t see how we would risk it unless he can string a big patch of games together which he has been unable to do.