Star midfielder Marcus Bontempelli has taken over from Easton Wood as Western Bulldogs captain in the AFL.
Western Bulldogs will enter a new AFL era under the leadership of Marcus Bontempelli after the star midfielder was announced as Easton Wood’s successor.
The 24-year-old Bontempelli will have Lachie Hunter as his deputy in a six-man leadership group, which also includes Wood, Jason Johannisen, Mitch Wallis and new addition Josh Dunkley.
“We have come to admire Marcus for the impact he has had on the game and his already remarkable reputation as a player,” coach Luke Beveridge said on Tuesday.
“We are blessed to have tremendous wealth of character within our playing group.
“Marcus has been acknowledged by his peers as the young man who deserves recognition through past contributions, the promise of the future and the impression he will make as the captain of our club.
“It goes without saying that everyone here is thrilled for Marcus and will do all we can to support him as he takes on new responsibilities.”
Wood, who deputised for injured skipper Bob Murphy and led the Bulldogs to a famous premiership in 2016, stepped down after two seasons in the role.
Bontempelli was elected to succeed Wood by a player vote held at the club on Monday.
“The hallmark of great leaders is consistency of temperament, care for others and work ethic regardless of the circumstances,” Beveridge said of Wood.
“Easton has most definitely been dependable in displaying these traits and has forged a reputation as a beacon of strength and resilience within our club.”
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Cripps is a great player I personally find Bont has a broader skillset and reckon his ceiling is alot higher.
berrlins
Roar Pro
Bravo to the Bont!!! It's looking like an exciting season for the dogs if they can keep their lads on the park with Bont to lead them.
Brinnx
Guest
Big call re: more rounded than Cripps. Bit of a Salt and Pepper call, some like salt , some like pepper, but imagine if you could have both...
Rissole
Roar Rookie
I like him more than most players on the team I support.
Tazzie
Guest
Congrats to the Bont & a big thanks to Easton Wood, job well done, class act.
IAP
Guest
I hope so. Has a great footy brain and outstanding skills; was a forgone conclusion to be captain. I honestly don’t remember much about Woosha as captain. I remember him as a tough back pocket type. The sort of bloke who was very good at making forwards earn it.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Couldn't agree more except on woosh, will be the best player in the comp next year, has more dimensions to his game than Cripps and other mids in his age range. Hard to believe his prime years will only be beginning.
IAP
Guest
He was ok, but he's no Bont...yes good move, Bont is a god.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Great move as they enter the next era, reminds me of when woosha became wce captain hey IAP.
IAP
Guest
What an outstanding individual.