We have all witnessed the emergence of Marcus Bontempelli over the past three seasons. From his game-winning snap-shot at goal in 2014 to his first win as captain in 2016, the ‘Bont’ has never ceased to amaze fans and critics alike.
We know the pure greatness of superstar midfielders who went before him and are currently in their primes, such as Gary Ablett, Nathan Fyfe, Patrick Dangerfield, Sam Mitchell and Dane Swan.
The likes of Patrick Cripps, Zach Merrett, Luke Parker and Daniel Hannebery are also rising midfielders, but Marcus Bontempelli will be the best of them all.
Over his first three seasons, in which he has played 61 games, Bontempelli has average 21 disposals, ten contested possessions, six score involvements and just under a goal per game.
While these numbers may not appear outstanding, they are considering he is only twenty years of age. And when compared to other great midfielders, it is even more impressive.
Sam Mitchell failed to average 19 disposals per game in any of his first three seasons, as did Patrick Dangerfield, Dane Swan and Gary Ablett.
Now, when you look at midfielders such as Joel Selwood, Nathan Fyfe and Scott Pendulbery who did average north of 20 touches in their first three seasons, they were all playing predominately in the centre and taking a bruising each week.
That is being seen now, as Selwood and Pendulbery, although still elite, are becoming less productive at an earlier age than the likes of Sam Mitchell and Gary Ablett.
The way Bontempelli has been used by the Bulldogs is very similar to that of Patrick Dangerfield in his early days in Adelaide. Marcus rarely starts in centre square at bounces, and plays more as an outside midfielder at stoppages, similarly to Dustin Martin instead of Patrick Cripps.
Marcus also spends stints of games in the forward line, where he can use his height to cause opposing defences nightmares.
Because of how he is being used, Bontempelli’s clearance numbers are down (ranked 41st in the AFL), but his effectiveness is still high, as he has largely carried a depleted ‘dogs midfield for most of 2016. Bontempelli has had minimal strain on his body through his first 61 games, something which will hold him in good stead as he ages.
Beyond the stats and tactical side of things, Bontempelli has shown tremendous leadership in a tumultuous season for his side.
Losing skipper Bob Murphy, Mitch Wallis, Tom Liberatore, Jack Redpath, Eastern Wood at times and many more, Marcus has been thrust into a leadership role, and he has displayed his pure class.
Winning his first game as captain earlier in the year, Bontempelli appears certain to take the reins from Bob Murphy as captain when he retires.
Marcus Bontempelli will be the best of his generation, and will captain the Bulldogs for years to come in his quest to end a 62-and-counting year drought in the west. He has already accomplished so much at such a young age, and watch out for him to assert himself as the best player in the league in coming seasons.
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