Western Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli has closed the gap between first and second place in the 2023 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award.

Bontempelli claimed another perfect 10 performance – his third of the season – following 32 disposals, seven tackles and a goal, to go with career-high clearances (14) and contested possessions (25).

It takes him to 43 votes overall, and just two behind current leader, Magpie Nick Daicos, who did not poll this weekend.

Tim English also impressed the coaches against GWS, earning six votes for 40 hit-outs, 23 disposals and 10 marks, while Tom Liberatore received four votes for 29 touches, eight clearances and one goal.

Bailey Smith (32 disposals, five marks, three clearances) rounded out the Bulldogs’ vote-getters with one.

02:44

Bont's hot form continues with another stunning outing

Marcus Bontempelli's dominance in the engine room steers the Bulldogs to victory

AFLCA votes vs GWS

  • Marcus Bontempelli (WB) – 10 votes
  •  Tom Green (GWS) – 8
  • Tim English (WB) - 6
  • Tom Liberatore (WB) – 4
  • Bailey Smith (WB) – 1
  • Josh Kelly (GWS) - 1

AFLCA Champion Player of the Year leaderboard

  • Nick Daicos (COLL) – 45 votes
  • Marcus Bontempelli (WB) – 43
  • Clayton Oliver (MELB) – 36
  • Jeremy Cameron (GEEL) – 34
  • Christian Petracca (MELB) – 33
  • Patrick Dangerfield (GEEL) – 32
  • Zak Butters (PORT) – 31
  • Noah Anderson (GC) – 29
  • Jordan Dawson (ADEL) – 29
  • Toby Greene (GWS) – 29