AFL superstar Marcus Bontempelli has re-signed with the ladder-leading Western Bulldogs until the end of 2025.
The Bulldogs captain was eligible for restricted free agency at season's end but has instead signed a four-year deal.
Bontempelli, 25, is arguably in career-best form in 2021, averaging 26.6 disposals and 7.2 inside-50s along with booting 15 goals in 10 games.
"Ultimately, I see this club doing some really good things over the next four years and hopefully longer," Bontempelli said.
"I'm keen to be as much a part of that as I can be.
"I always wanted to stay a Bulldog. It was important for me to take the appropriate time with this decision and to have the right conversations before re-signing.
"It's pleasing to know I'll continue to be part of the journey at this football club."
The No.4 draft pick in 2013, Bontempelli has played 155 games, including helping the Bulldogs to their breakthrough premiership in 2016 - and was named captain ahead of the 2020 season.
Bontempelli is already a three-time All-Australian and has won the Charles Sutton Medal - the Bulldogs' best and fairest award - three times.
"We're thrilled to have Marcus commit to four more years with the Western Bulldogs," list manager Sam Power said.
"It's a great reflection of the confidence he has in the playing group and the direction we're heading in as a club.
"Marcus has been a very good player for a long period of time and has now established himself among the competition's elite.
"... Marcus has already achieved so much across his eight years as a Bulldog.
"This long-term commitment ensures he will continue to be an integral part of our club's push for success on and off the field in the years to come."
