Beveridge remains coy on concussed Libba's future

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has remained coy about the playing future of concussed superstar Tom Liberatore.

It comes after the 31-year-old was ruled out "indefinitely" after suffering a nasty concussion in his side's seven-point loss to Hawthorn in round eight.

The midfielder copped a stray boot to his head, which split open his forehead in scary scenes.

The club released a statement explaining that Liberatore had suffered concussion from the accidental incident, but considering it was his second in a matter of weeks, made the call to sideline him for longer than the standard 12-day protocol.

"The midfielder suffered a knock to the head late in Sunday's loss to Hawthorn, with the club's medical team confirming that a concussive episode had occurred," the Bulldogs statement said.

Liberatore was concussed in the last term against Hawthorn.

"Having suffered two concussions within a short space of time, Tom will be unavailable for an indefinite period as the club works through a thorough process before a return-to-play plan is determined."

Now, two weeks on, Beveridge has fielded questions about the 32-year-old's playing future.

However, he says he's none the wiser on Liberatore's condition.

"I'm not sure (about the panel) … I was asked that question the other day, and we haven't had any instruction in that regard," Beveridge said on Thursday.

"The best thing to do with Tom is we'll give updates internally from our medical experts, and I'm just a senior coach, so I'm not really equipped to comment too much on it."

Beveridge did confirm that the 2016 premiership player has been around the club training, but refused to make any comments on his condition and whether he has made any improvements.

"He's in today and he'll be training, but as far as the prospect of what's coming up for him … I just need to leave that to the medical field," he said.

Liberatore's shaky future comes after the heartbreaking retirement of 18-year-old draftee Aiden O'Driscoll, who was picked up at the end of 2023 and never got to play a senior game.

He suffered a head knock at training in January and was forced to medically retire.

Beveridge declared his playing group have had Aiden in their thoughts throughout the week, with his retirement serving as a reminder to the Dogs to cherish their time at the elite level.

"Life's more important than a sporting code, and we reminded him that we're here to support him on his pathway now," he said.

Bulldogs draftee Aiden O'Driscoll has been forced to retire without playing an AFL game.

"Our players will think a little bit about Aiden this week, and it's probably a reminder to us over the journey … our time in the game is short.

"Covet your time, do your best and stay in there as long as you can, because Aiden hasn't had that opportunity."

The Dogs sit in 11th on the ladder, preparing to take on the fifth-placed Giants on Saturday afternoon.