2011 Countdown: Tom Liberatore

[ossie85]

Tom Liberatore

Summary:

Tom Liberatore and Mitch Wallis were bargain father-son picks for the Western Bulldogs. Wallis has received more of the attention, but there is no doubt lil Libba is just as exciting. I use to love watching his father, but it is worth noting that lil Libba is actually bigger than big Libba... if that makes sense :)

Under-18 All-Australian, averaged 22 touches (at 72% efficiency), 5 clearances and four tackles in the Under-18 Championships. Starred in the TAC Cup Grand Final, with 28 disposals.

He is also committed - turning down the offer of wearing his father's number in order to prove himself.

The Crystal Ball:

Based on m0nty's fanplanner

Price: $87,500

Position: MID

The great thing about Libba's father son selection is that his price is somewhat cheaper than it should be, and about $20k cheaper than Mitch Wallis - who he will forever be linked to (like Riewoldt-Koschitzke, Judd-Hodge, Scully-Trengove). However, the Dogs are a strong unit and he may struggle to establish himself in the team. He is almost certain to get an opportunity though.

Decision:

Libba is shortlisted. Mitch Wallis is more highly fancied, but if I need that extra $20k and Libba impresses in preseason, Libba could slip in instead.

[Fletch74]

Whilst he is cheap, just not sure if he will slip into the WB best 22 to begin with, so he could be more of a downgrade option later in the season to free up some $$$

Will be interesting to watch though ;)

[RiOtChEsS]

we need a salivating smiley face :P

[Boomz]

If he is looking like getting more games than Wallis then I'll get on him but atm Wallis has his spot in my team.

[tom_scully]

How is he (or Wallis) going to get enough games to be good cash cows in a team that still (only just) has it's premiership window open?

[BoredSaint]

shortlisted atm :D

[j959]

I'm with ossie and BS, short-listed with eye on pre-season form.
looks like a coin toss between Wallis and Libba jnr, i reckon.

Fletch might have the right idea as a downgrade option later if he's not looking like getting early games.

[Justin Bieber]

He's shortlisted. Would of gone higher if it wasn't for the father-son selection.

Although I prefer Wallis, Liba Jr. is cheaper and depends on if he gets games. That's the main issue I have with rookies. I need to pick those who'll play.

[pyronerd]

may trade for him if he looks like going up in price a fair bit but i dont think ill have him to start with

[roo boys!]

Not for me, althought his price is tempting, if he gets games he could be a downgrade target...

[Flemo]

At his price then at one stage or another I will have him on my team.

I don't know whether the Dogs will play him straight away or not but I believe once he gets in the team then Brodie Moles will make way and struggle to regain his place.

[Maca24]

shortlisted. want 1 of him or wallis. think the young pups will go alrite.

[dylsta05]

maybs.

[SydneyRox]

Probably will get Wallis instead also.

Perfect world, Libba struggles to get a game until about round 10!! :)

[Junktimer]

Mitch Wallis - who he will forever be linked to (like Riewoldt-Koschitzke, Judd-Hodge, Scully-Trengove).

good call, neither Scully nor Trengove is ever mentioned without the other featuring in it.

Not sure about Libba, Rocket Eade has never been good at playing first year players, and him and Wallis play the same position, so they will be competing for a spot which may not even exist at this point in time.

I think he will be a good player, but I'm not sure I'll select him, 50/50.