It’s time for Tom Liberatore to be named an All-Australian

51 years ago, Australia collectively thought it was overdue, inspired by a political movement that wanted change.

The Pentecostal-like singing and chanting was part of the campaign that centred around just two words, ‘It’s Time’. In came Gough (Whitlam) and out went Billy (William McMahon) with the big ears.

Well, it’s been a long time coming, but after years of being borderline, and years of consistent A-grade midfield performance – in 2023, it’s time again.

It’s time for Libba (Tom Liberatore) … to be recognized as an All-Australian.

He’s never been an All-Australian before, Libba, despite being so close, so many times.

And this isn’t just a consistency vote, Libba is rated as the third-highest player in the competition, not just for midfielders, but the whole competition.

The Bont (Marcus Bontempelli) is number one, he’s a total lock and should be captain. Jack Sinclair is number two, he’s also a lock.

So why wouldn’t number three be a similar lock? Yet he’s rarely mentioned in All-Australian discussions in the public forum, I haven’t heard his name once, bar Johnno (Brad Johnson) giving him a bit of a tickle-up last week.

While he’s been close before, close isn’t good enough in 2023.

In 2023, it is certainly time. Libba, the man who won the important last-minute clearance and followed up, won the ball kicking it to Jack Macrae who kicked the goal that charged the Dogs into that famous Grand Final in 2016.

He’s been a worthy All-Australian many times, but never before has he made the cut.

In 2023, he’s the number three-rated player in the comp, as I’ve said.

In 2023 he’s top five for clearance. He’s top five for contest and in 2023 he’s also top 10 for pressure.

There is simply no All-Australian team in 2023 that can be named without Libba’s name being included.

And I’m not talking a bench spot no, no, no. He is smack bang in the middle as the centreman of the All-Australian team – a celebrated position that finally recognises his outstanding performance, not just this year but over the last decade.

A highly consistent midfield general that has been a powerhouse of the Dogs’ machine for so long that it’s hard to remember when he started.

Libba deserves this accolade on his CV, and in 2023, it is absolutely time.