TOM LIBERATORE has made a seamless return from an ACL tear, starring in the Western Bulldogs' match simulation session at Whitten Oval on Saturday morning.

In warm conditions, the 23-year-old was back to his playmaking best, winning plenty of the footy while showing no effects of the injury that sidelined him for the past 12 months.

Bulldogs assistant coach Rohan Smith was extremely pleased with the 2014 best and fairest's performance.

"He only knows one way and it was so good to see that," Smith said

"He's had a great pre-season, hasn't missed a beat and then comes out here today plays like that, it's looks like he's hardly missed (any footy).

"I'm sure the Bulldogs supporters were really happy and so were the coaching staff."

Smith was non-committal on how big a part Liberatore would play in the pre-season competition.

"He might play a little bit of the NAB Challenge and certainly be fit for round one," Smith said.

"We don't want to rush him."

Liberatore had a winning return to competitive football, with his Blue side narrowly beating the white side, 12.7 (79) to 11.6 (72). 

While the return of Liberatore excited the large crowd in attendance, Jake Stringer's performance would have them drooling.

The 21-year-old did as he pleased, finding plenty of the ball, kicking three goals and setting up a handful of others in an ominous performance.

Jack Redpath was prominent with four goals, but the hulking key forward was forced to leave the field after a collision with Tom Campbell during the third quarter. 

Smith said the injury was minor and he absence from the rest of the games was precautionary.

The hard-running Jack Macrae has lost none of his prolific ways over the off-season, linking up well through the midfield and then winning the ball at the contest.

Second-year midfielders Bailey Dale and Caleb Daniel impressed with their work in the middle while draftees Josh Dunkley (three goals), Marcus Adams and Bailey Williams showed plenty.

The ruck situation at the Dogs will be an interesting sub-plot this season, with Will Minson, Tom Campbell and Jordan Roughead all having their moments during the session.

Matt Suckling had a quiet start in the red, white, blue, roaming between the arches without getting too many opportunities unleash his deadly left foot. 

Key forward Tom Boyd was a notable absentee with a slight hamstring complaint, but it's unlikely to see him miss the Bulldogs' opening NAB Challenge clash against GWS in Canberra on February 25. 

Jake Stringer brushes aside some would-be tacklers. Picture: AFL Media

Jack Macrae gets his kick away. Picture: AFL Media

Liam Picken fires off a handball. Picture: AFL Media

Tom Liberatore feels the heat at Whitten Oval. Picture: AFL Media

Matt Suckling unloads on his left boot. Picture: AFL Media