Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli says he is navigating these unprecedented times as best he can, amid the constantly changing coronavirus landscape.

With no concrete decision yet as to whether the 2020 AFL season will commence as scheduled, Bontempelli shared how he and the Bulldogs are tackling the uncertainty. 

01:59

2020 Season | Here we go!

'There's a real strength around the football club'. Get excited for the 2020 Western Bulldogs AFL season!


“It’s been tough to be honest, because there’s so much I’m not sure about,” Bontempelli told club legend Bob Murphy on The Barkly Street Podcast.

“In this sort of scenario – it’s way out of our strike zone and what we’re able to canvass from an information and factual point of view, and we’re guided by a lot of other people.

“I think the best thing I can do is take that advice, formulate some sort of opinion and hopefully make the best decision for myself, the football club and others.”

The first-year skipper also said while there are expectations that come with being in his position, he is cautious of not letting those cloud his judgement.

“As a leader of the football club, people will potentially want to hear my thoughts and be interested in my opinion – that carries some sort of weight,” Bontempelli said.

“(You) don’t want to make the wrong call, or give the wrong advice, or send people on a different path, so you do feel a little bit of expectation by that.”

The 24-year-old said football has helped him ‘switch off’ at times he needs to focus.

“Bevo’s (coach Luke Beveridge) messaging has been quite clear – at this stage we are still playing, so we still have to prepare as if Friday is coming and we’re going to play,” Bontempelli said.

00:51

Barkly Street | Bont talks having no crowd for round one

On the first installment of the Barkly Street podcast, Marcus Bontempelli and Bob Murphy talk about having no fans at the game.

“You have to stay as task-focused as you can, but also prioritise health and safety as well.

“In many respects, as a footballer you are sort of built and trained into not letting the outside noise get in – so you do somehow find a way to build a bit of shelter around certain things mentally.

“When you think about the scope of this and how it’s affecting the nation and globe – trying to not let that have the same affect is tough, but all I can really go on is the energy and feel around the club from a training point of view.”