Marcus Bontempelli is famous for his on-field football accolades, but Tuesday showed there is more to the Bulldogs captain than his football credentials.

The 26-year-old stopped into the Royal Children’s Hospital to conduct a special reading of his children’s book, Little Bont and the Big Secret.

Many patients gathered in the theatre room to witness their hero read the book and answer questions from the audience.

A number of youngsters managed to sit front of stage and grill Bontempelli on different topics, including his favourite teammate.

“This is my first reading,” Bont joked.

“I have read before; I can read but this is my first public reading.”

Bontempelli detailed his love for the game but also what his success has enabled him to do off the field.

“Football is a great game – I am really fortunate to be out there and to be able to play and be a role model for young kids,” he said.

“It has given me a great opportunity to impact.”

“I just hope that many of my experiences are able to help any of the kids that have read the book along the journeys.”

The captain lauded the Bulldogs involvement in the Superclash against North Melbourne, describing the love and passion the players have for this particular fixture.

“We’ve been really luck to be a part of the Good Friday Appeal game for a number of years now and it just makes it all the more rewarding to be able to play for such an important cause,” he claimed.

“At the Bulldogs we love being a part of it and it is really really special to us.”

There will be a merchandise outlet inside Gate 5 selling Little Bont and the Big Secret during the clash against North Melbourne on Good Friday at Marvel Stadium, starting at 4.20pm, with proceeds of the sale of the books being donated to the Good Friday Appeal.

$5 from every ticket sold will go towards the Good Friday Appeal.

To donate, visit the Western Bulldogs' fundraising page.