Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli says it’s been pleasing to produce a more consistent brand of footy in recent weeks.
The Bulldogs will enter this weekend against the Hawks – which also marks Bontempelli’s 200th career match – off the back of a convincing 49-point win over Fremantle.
Bontempelli said a strong focus on the fundamentals has been critical to producing those results.
“There’s no doubts at different points our game and our brand has been quite obvious, but then (at other times) we just haven’t been able to get things going from a ball movement perspective as much as we’d like,” Bontempelli told SEN 1116 on Wednesday morning.
“When you start the season the way we did – with two really bad sort of losses – it tends to put you on the back foot a little bit.
“I think since then, we’ve really doubled down on the key aspects of our game that makes everything better and improved.
BARRETT: BONT’S LEGEND CONTINUES TO GROW >> READ MORE
“Since that point, we’ve found a bit of stability – other than the Port Adelaide loss which I think we had a good opportunity to try and snatch. Things have been a lot better since then.
“We’re still searching for more and greater, but I think we’ve got a bit more stability now in our game that probably wasn’t there in the first two weeks.”
Even on the eve of his milestone match and in the midst of some impressive form, the selfless skipper praises his teammates – particularly fellow midfielder Adam Treloar and vice-captain Jack Macrae.
“Adam has been pretty exceptional – you can sometimes forget how good a footballer he is, and the reputation and past football he’s played for different clubs but especially ours,” Bontempelli said.
“It’s a bit of a reminder of his capability and ability as an inside mid.
“He’s a very good in-and-under player – he does a lot of good work at the coalface for us.
“Jack’s game is continuing to build as the season goes. I think he had 14 or so clearances in the last game – we’re going to see more and more good things and involvement from him.
“It’ll help us a lot that’s for sure.”
The Bulldogs will host the Hawks from 4.35pm AEST on Saturday afternoon at Marvel Stadium.
Be there for Bont’s 200th by purchasing your tickets today.
