Source : the age
Bulldogs veteran Tom Liberatore has spoken about his battles with concussion on a day when head injuries and player care have been firmly front of mind.
Liberatore told Seven that any talks about his playing future are on hold until the end of the season as he aimed to finish the year healthy and without any more head injuries.
“My main priority is to make sure I don’t have any more,” Liberatore told Seven pre-game.
When asked if he was likely to be still playing next season, this was Liberatore’s answer:
“That’s the discussion after that [he finishes the season healthy].
“The main priority is my health and safety, making sure I look after my future after footy. [I’ll] prioritise that and we’ll go from there.”
It felt like goals would rain down after Davidson’s early score but neither side have been able to convert or even create clear chances at goal since then.
It’s tough, contested and nervous.
We are now into what Sir Alex Ferguson used to call “squeaky bum time”.
Then Luke Davies-Uniacke marks 35 metres out and kicks a goal – clutch moment for the Roos.
Roos 87, Dogs 75 with 10 minutes to go.
The Dogs have lifted their pressure and the Roos have chosen to punch the ball towards play, instead of over for a behind.
The ball went straight to Sam Davidson and he snapped the goal from a tight angle.
Game on at Marvel.
Roos 79, Dogs 75 with 18 mins to play.
This game is set up for a thrilling finish.
North had the chance to go 32 points up early in that quarter but take a lead of just 10 points into the final term.
It would have been even less if not for Paul Curtis’ goal, his fourth, just before the siren, ending a run of four in a row for the Bulldogs.
Paul Curtis read the ball as it went past the pack and into his arms, he booted his fourth goal just two seconds before the siren.
The lead is back to 10 points at the final change.
What a huge last quarter to come.
The Dogs are within four points after an off-the-ball free kick against Tristan Xerri following a contentious clash with Buku Khamis.
Xerri knocked Khamis over as he was trying to make his lead, and a 50-metre penalty was called.
Matthew Kennedy took the free kick and booted the goal.
Roos 73, Dogs 69 with 90 seconds to go in Q3.
The Dogs are making their move.
They’re starting to get the ball on the outside and moving the ball with more purpose than any other point in the night.
The quicker ball movement inside 50 has put North’s defence under pressure.
Aaron Naughton went back with the flight and was pushed by his man, leading to a free kick.
The Dogs forward went back and kicked the goal. It’s well and truly game on at Marvel.
Roos 73, Dogs 63 with three mins to go in Q3.
Who else would lift the when the Dogs were desperate for a goal?
It had to be Tom Liberatore. What a star.
He read the ball off the back, got space on his man and burst out wide to grab the Sherrin and kick the goal.
Roos 72, Dogs 56 with eight mins to go in Q3.
