Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli has lauded deputy Mitch Wallis for his support both on and off the field this year.

Wallis, who signed a one-year contract extension last month, was elevated to the vice-captaincy role ahead of the 2021 AFL season.

Bontempelli said he couldn’t have asked for more from the 29-year-old.

“I am sure (the year) would have been difficult for him. We definitely spoke at different points, but the most impressive thing was probably, even though the football stuff probably wasn’t happening for him, or the way that he wanted it to, his support for the group, from a vice-captaincy perspective, you couldn’t really ask more from someone,” Bontempelli told The Age.

“Obviously, he would have loved to have been playing and been a part of it, but it was just one of those things.

“The game is challenging for everyone and he had to work through those challenges but still continue to help, support and guide our team - the way that he did was just amazing.”

During last month’s trade period, the Bulldogs added intercept defender and former Hawk Tim O’Brien.

Bontempelli said he is excited to work with the newest recruit.

“To be able to add Tim, from a positional perspective - he has had some super games, that’s a bit more experience for us. I am really looking forward to getting to work with Tim,” he said.

The Bulldogs are set to welcome further players at the 2021 AFL National Draft, which will commence the evening of Wednesday 24 November.