Star Dog urged to weigh up future after ugly incidents

Western Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore has been urged to weigh up his footballing future after suffering a fourth concussion in 12 months.

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 on Sunday.

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

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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 on Monday.

"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.

"Tom's health and wellbeing always remains the absolute priority during this period."

It's the 31-year-old's second concussion within weeks, after he was ruled out when he suffered a terrifying collapse against Essendon in April.

Liberatore suddenly collapsed in the centre square during the final term at Marvel Stadium as play continued downfield.

The collapse occurred just minutes after Liberatore was crunched by Bomber Jake Stringer.

Despite Bulldogs club doctors clearing Liberatore of concussion after he passed the head injury assessment at the time, as well as showing no signs of delayed head trauma the morning after, the club ruled him out until round eight.

The 2016 premiership player was then subsequently injured in his return match.

Now, there are calls from concussion and head trauma experts for the 2016 premiership player to consider what his future looks like and if retirement may have to be on the cards.

"Tom is being encouraged by some leading concussion experts to consider his future after four concussions (in 12 months)," Jon Ralph said on Fox Footy on Monday night.

Ralph's comments follow La Trobe University concussion researcher Alan Pearce's statement regarding Liberatore's future in the game.

"I would be highly concerned about four concussions in 12 months," Pearce said in a statement to Fox Footy.

"We have seen from the research that anyone who has a lifetime concussion history of three is at risk of cognitive impairments later in life."

It comes as Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw was forced to medically retire on the eve of the 2024 season due to the head trauma he has suffered.

Just weeks ago, Collingwood premiership defender Nathan Murphy was also forced to retire due to the long term risk of further concussions and head trauma.