Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli says there’s no better time than the opening month of the season for the group to be put to the test.

The Dogs will kick off their 2023 campaign against Melbourne next Saturday night, before hosting St Kilda and Brisbane in consecutive weeks.

They’ll then return to the MCG to meet Richmond, enjoy a sold-out Gather Round clash against Port Adelaide and face Fremantle at Optus Stadium.

Bontempelli said the prospect of facing a number of the top teams from last year in quick succession is exciting.

“In a way, it forces us to go in with a really sharp focus and a really hardened edge; knowing you’re coming up against a bunch of the in-form teams of the competition,” he told Gerard Whateley on the Bulldogs’ annual SEN Membership Day.

“I like that – the idea of getting straight to it off the back of the pre-season.

“It lets us get straight into the work and really see where we sit, while trying to execute against some of the best.

“I think it’s a great challenge. It’s a big first month or so and I can’t wait to kick it off with Melbourne in just over a week’s time.”

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Another focus for the Bulldogs this season will be pushing for a top-four spot – something they are yet to achieve under coach Luke Beveridge despite other successes, which includes two Grand Final appearances, one flag and six finals berths all in eight seasons.

Bontempelli said while securing a double chance is “definitely at the top of the list”, the team focus will be trying to play with those behaviours consistently.

“There’s a lot to do in terms of trying to finish up there – so I think what you want to try to emulate from a standards point of view is instilling what you’d consider these ‘top-four behaviours’ to be,” he explained.

“Those are the things that will lead you to being in that position.

“We can’t obsess over it and be watching the ladder every single week – but there’s no doubt for us to really challenge. We want to be in that position, as do a bunch of other teams.

“I’d be lying if I said it isn’t something I want to experience – I know Bevo and the football club are all very similar.”

The four-time All Australian is being tipped to become one of – if not the – best players this season, but isn’t letting that distract himself from the bigger picture.  

“There’s no doubt it’s probably part of my make-up for sure – to be playing the best football I possibly can, and hopefully be in the conversation for that,” Bontempelli said.

“It’s not something I’m setting out to do every single morning, but it’s something you do want to embrace.

“You want to be there, be a part of it, be impacting the game for my mob as best I can.

“I’m confident that if I can execute all the things I know I’m capable of, then the rest of the conversations will handle themselves.

“There’s a number of bloody good players out there at the minute, so it’s a hot contest for whoever is considered that sort of title.

“I’m just keen for us to start the season well.”

As part of SEN Membership Day, those who purchase a Bulldogs’ three-game general admission membership will get a FREE upgrade to a full-season home membership.

That’s access to nine games for the price of just three – with a saving of $110 – and includes a $20 Bulldogs Shop voucher to spend online or instore.

Unleash more with a Bulldogs’ membership. For more details, visit https://membership.westernbulldogs.com.au/sen.