going to become. The ' 35 point win over in Round 8 showed the power Liberatore could bring to a game, after he collected 25 disposals, kicked two goals and laid six tackles. Liberatore played 16 games in his debut season, averaging over 18 possessions per game and winning the Chris Grant Best First Year Player Award after an 'impressive' debut season. Liberatore had a controversial 2012 season, being sanctioned by the club for drug offences after just 17 games for the season. Liberatore had one of his best games for the season in the ' 38 point win over in round eight of the 2012 AFL season, kicking the team's opening goal and collecting 24 disposals and six tackles. Liberatore broke his record for most disposals in a game after a 29 disposal haul against the in Round 13 of the 2012 AFL season. On 5 August 2012, after a heavy loss to the Kangaroos in Round 19, Liberatore was found by police unconscious on King Street and was questioned about drug offences relating to the possession of what was believed to be ecstasy. He was subsequently suspended for the remainder of the season by the Bulldogs. In addition, he was issued a $5,000 suspended fine, required to undergo club-driven counselling and education, and be engaged in full-time employment for the following six weeks. Liberatore issued a public apology for his actions. Despite missing out on five games, Liberatore came 7th in the Charles Sutton Medal voting and polled 81 votes, 87 votes behind winner Matthew Boyd. Liberatore improved in the following season, establishing himself as one of the AFL's most statistically dominant inside midfielders; he ranked first in the league for clearances and second in contested possessions, behind only 's Josh Kennedy. Liberatore had one of his career-best games against in the final round of the 2013 AFL season, kicking one goal, collecting 26 disposals, and 11 tackles, just one tackle off his record at the time. He was named as best on ground for that game. He also had another best on ground performance against , collecting 33 disposals, a goal, 6 tackles and 4 marks. Liberatore signed a three-year contract extension with the Bulldogs in August, tying him to the club until 2016. He was recognized for his impressive efforts for the season with selection in the AFL Players' Association's inaugural 22 Under 22 team. He