Marcus Bontempelli will lead a fresh leadership group in his third year as captain of the Western Bulldogs.

The four-time Charles Sutton Medallist will be joined by newly elevated vice-captain Jack Macrae in a five-man leadership group which also includes Caleb Daniel, Taylor Duryea and Aaron Naughton.

Macrae, an elite midfielder within the competition, enters the leadership group for the first time off the back of a third-straight All Australian jacket and Gary Ayres Medal in 2021.

The 27-year-old takes over from Mitch Wallis, after he stepped down from official leadership duties. He will continue to play a pivotal role within the Club.

“Marcus has developed into a fine leader of our football club, and we’ve seen him rise to another level with the captaincy.  He will continue to lead us into the future,” said Bulldogs’ senior coach Luke Beveridge.

“We’re thrilled for Jack to step into the role of vice-captain. He is a person who is selfless in his actions, expects high standards of himself and those around him, and has developed the respect and admiration of his team-mates.

“Marcus and Jack will be strongly supported by Taylor, Aaron and Caleb in an official leadership capacity, and we’ll value the contributions of the entire playing group throughout the year.

“We’re fortunate that we have a closely connected group, and individuals who offer their own important leadership qualities, which will be extremely valuable to the collective as we head into the 2022 season.”

An ultimate team man, Macrae couldn’t be more thrilled to be named as the Bulldogs’ vice-captain.

“It honestly means the world to me,” Macrae said.

“It’s such a privilege every week to pull on this jumper and play with our group. To be in this position, it’s certainly not lost on me.

“I am really excited about what this group can do over the next few years and beyond. I can’t wait to work with Marcus and the other leaders in building what we have started.”