One of the most successful father-son recruits in AFL history, Liberatore fell just 15 games short of the 283 amassed by father Tony between the years of 1986 and 2002.
They became just the second father-son pair in V/AFL history to both play 250+ matches, after Dustin Fletcher and his dad Ken.
Tom was recruited to the Kennel in 2010 and played 16 games in his debut season, averaging 18 disposals and almost five tackles per match in 2011.
He won several individual club honours throughout his 16-year career at the Western Bulldogs, including the Charles Sutton Medal for club best and fairest in 2014, the year after he finished second to Ryan Griffen.
Were it not for two separate ACL ruptures throughout his career, the man affectionately known as 'the Bont' likely would have finished up a 300-gamer and an AFL life member.
Nonetheless, a glittering career highlighted by the Bulldogs' drought-breaking 2016 Premiership will go down in history as one of the storied club's finest.
"This club and its community have been such a huge part of my life," Liberatore told club supporters in an email on Tuesday.
"I'm so fortunate to have lived out my dream for 16 years, from watching my old man play for the club to being part of a premiership that meant so much to all of our fans and to the western suburbs, it's been a real privilege.
"I still love being here and competing each week but it's time for me to step aside, spend more time with my family and friends and support this great club from the stands.
"I've built lifelong friendships with many teammates through the years, that's what means the most to me.
"I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone at the club: players, coaches and staff for the amount of effort and time they've dedicated to me over the years.
"I also want to thank the members and fans who have been incredible during my time here and supported me through all of the ups and downs.
"I'm really proud of where the club is going and excited about what the group is capable of moving forward. I'm looking forward to watching on with a beer in hand."
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge poetically described the charismatic and popular Liberatore as the "spiritual catalyst" of the playing group.
"Through the challenges he has faced, he has had a fierce will and desire to claw his way back. Libba has always set about influencing everyone he comes in contact with in his own unique, caring and quirky characteristic way," Beveridge said.
"Always a fierce competitor, he has been inspirational with his tenacity and confrontational brand ensuring his teammates always walk a little taller and feel a little more self-assured.
"I am extremely grateful to have coached Tom and I know all of our people see it as a great privilege to have shared Tom's AFL football experience with him."
Aaron Murphy has been with Flashscore since 2018 and, as the founding editor of the Australian newsdesk, has reported on-site at several major events in Melbourne including the Australian Open, State of Origin, A-League, NBL and international cricket. You can read his pieces here and contact him on X or LinkedIn.
