He may only be 21 years old but Western Bulldogs midfielder Marcus Bontempelli has shown a maturity beyond his years in his short playing career, and is the embodiment of fair play and respect on and off the field.

Bontempelli's attributes make him a natural selection as the Western Regional Football League's Heartland Ambassador for the 2017 season.

Now in its fifth season, the Junior Heartland Award is presented each week by the coach from the home team to one player from the opposition side, who they believe embodies the true essence of the game – that being: fair play, fun and respect for both the opposition and the umpires.

The Heartland Award will kick off this Sunday, April 9 for Round 1 of the junior fixture.

The weekly winner of the Heartland award will go into the draw to win the Ultimate Heartland experience with Marcus Bontempelli at VU Whitten Oval.  To be in the running, click here to register your unique code.