Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Sport
Shayne Hope

Bontempelli remains Bulldogs' AFL captain

Re-appointed skipper Marcus Bontempelli says there's positive energy at the Western Bulldogs. (Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Marcus Bontempelli says there is a "positive energy" around the Western Bulldogs as he prepares to lead the AFL club for a fourth season.

The 27-year-old has been reappointed as captain, continuing in the role he took over from Easton Wood in 2020.

Jack Macrae will continue as vice-captain for a second season, with Taylor Duryea, Caleb Daniel and Aaron Naughton rounding out a five-man leadership group.

"It continues to be such an honour captaining this club and I am really excited about what is next for this group," Bontempelli said in a club statement.

"To be trusted again by the playing group and staff is something I won't take for granted, while having guys of Jacko, Doc, CD and Naughty's calibre is important in terms of building cohesion and continuing to search for sustained success.

"From a club point of view, we value contributions from the entire playing group and encourage individuals to bring their own leadership qualities to collectively add connection throughout the 2023 season.

"There is a positive energy around our football program at the moment and it's a privilege to lead this team for another season."

The Bulldogs are out to make amends for a horror end to 2022, when they threw away a 41-point lead over Fremantle in an elimination final.

The reappointment of Bontempelli and his deputy Macrae as leaders comes after the Bulldogs re-signed coach Luke Beveridge in December.

The 2016 premiership mentor has committed to the club until the end of 2025 and is set to become the longest-serving coach in Bulldogs history.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.