Marcus Bontempelli
Marcus Bontempelli enjoyed another incredible season.
The Bulldogs’ vice-captain continues to establish himself as one of the competition’s premier midfielders, finishing equal eighth in the Brownlow Medal count with 22 votes and winning the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award.
At just 23 years of age, Bontempelli was a dominant force in the middle of the ground, producing a number of match-winning performances and leading the Bulldogs for clearances and inside-50s.
By the numbers
AFL Games: 23
Goals: 15
Disposals (av): 26.3
Marks (av): 4.1
Tackles (av): 5
Best game
It’s hard to select just one – Bontempelli collected three Brownlow votes on five occasions in rounds one, three, 15, 19 and 20.
In round 15 he set the tone against Port Adelaide in a season-defining win. Bontempelli’s first quarter in wet conditions was at a different level, before finishing with 27 disposals, 18 contested possessions, nine clearances and seven inside-50s.
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Josh Dunkley
One of the competition’s rising stars is Josh Dunkley, who enjoyed a breakthrough season.
The 22-year-old transitioned to a full-time midfield role, playing every game and averaging more than 28 disposals and six tackles per match.
He polled 15 Brownlow votes – including three best on ground performances – and was named in the All Australian squad of 40, plus as vice-captain of the AFLPA 22Under22 team.
Dunkley also signed a three-year contract extension mid-way through the season, alongside Caleb Daniel, committing until the end of 2022.
By the numbers
AFL Games: 23
Goals: 11
Disposals (av): 28.3
Marks (av): 4.1
Tackles (av): 6.1
Best games
Dunkley was a match-winner on multiple occasions, including in round 17 against Melbourne – as his brother Kyle lined up for the Demons.
Kyle kicked his maiden AFL goal – with Josh standing on the mark. But the older Dunkley had the last laugh, racking up 39 disposals plus nine clearances, 15 tackles and two goals in a narrow win for the Bulldogs.
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Mitch Wallis
A leg injury interrupted what was building towards a strong season for Mitch Wallis.
The 26-year-old averaged almost 22 disposals – and a goal per game – across the first 10 rounds, but didn’t feature again at AFL level after sustaining a stress fracture in his leg.
Will be ready to hit the ground running for 2020 pre-season.
By the numbers
AFL Games: 10
Goals: 8
Disposals (av): 21.8
Marks (av): 3.6
Tackles (av): 2.7
Best game
Wallis was a strong performer in round nine against Geelong, despite the Bulldogs being defeated at GMHBA Stadium.
He finished with 29 disposals and 13 contested possessions, plus two goals, as the Bulldogs fought hard but were overrun in the final term.
