The Western Bulldogs are set to launch their own investigation into the reason for star midfielder Tom Liberatore's collapse during the side's 29-point loss to Essendon on Friday night.
The club is expected to look into the incident after Liberatore appeared to suffer a delayed concussion stemming from an earlier clash with Essendon forward Jake Stringer, despite the 31-year-old passing a SCAT5 concussion test after the match.
During the fourth quarter, Liberatore suddenly collapsed in the centre square as play continued downfield. Opposing midfielder Darcy Parish immediately came to his aid — clearly concerned for Liberatore's wellbeing.
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Only minutes earlier, Liberatore had been on the receiving end of a crushing tackle from Stringer.
A contest with defender Nick Hind in the lead-up to the incident will also be examined with Liberatore's head seeming to connect with Hind's shoulder, though he showed no signs of immediate concussion.
Liberatore appeared dazed after he stumbled to the ground but after being checked out by the club's medical staff, got back to his feet and played out the remainder of the match.
Stringer will not face any disciplinary action for the MRO as his tackle on Liberatore was not high or unprincipled.
Speaking post-match, Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge was quick to downplay fears that the 2016 premiership player would be ruled out with concussion.
"He's fine. I think for some reason he lost his footing and stumbled," he told media.
"He's been looked after, no concussion. He's apparently fine."
Liberatore was permitted to speak to media after the game — a practice he would not have been allowed to do if there were any signs or symptoms of concussion.
He echoed that of Beveridge, telling the ABC he "lost balance" after tweaking his ankle in the preceding contest.
Liberatore has suffered several concussions throughout his playing career.
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