Sweeping the ball from defence, taking the game on through the midfield or kicking ten goals for school team Marcellin, the Western Bulldogs new recruit Marcus Bontempelli does what most others can’t.
The 193cm utility is a rare commodity, possessing the size and athleticism to play in almost any position on the ground - ultimately ensuring he landed at the Bulldogs with their first selection (pick four) in today’s AFL Draft.
Following suit of his former Northern Knights captain and teammate Nathan Hrovat who put pen to paper earlier today, Bontempelli will wear the Bulldogs colours proudly from 2014 and beyond.
“[I feel] on top of the world really, I guess my dream of being an AFL player has just come true,” Bontempelli said.
“To be given the number four pick is something really humbling and is something I will hold highly now for the rest of my life and my career.
“”I am so grateful for the Doggies who have given me the opportunity to be their pick four and their first pick.”
Bontempelli wasn’t always touted as a top four selection but the 17-year-old modestly watched his stocks grow late in the season, with a shift into the midfield for Vic Metro putting him in the spotlight.
“I definitely think it probably spurred from confidence,” he said.
“I found that coming out of nationals I played with a lot more confidence, took the game on a lot more.
“I started to really play consistently through the midfield, that’s where I played my best footy and I was able to show I can mix a solid inside and outside game to go with my attributes.”
The teenager was immediately impressed with the Bulldogs when senior coach Brendan McCartney appeared at his initial interview.
“The interview was probably one of the best I had - it was a pretty funny night,” he said.
“I felt most comfortable when the Bulldogs came round and that was the initial sign of how good it would be… under a coach like Brendan who is really easy to connect with… I think that’s really important to footy today.”
Bontempelli watched the Bulldogs this season with a vested interest, having Northern Knights teammate Hrovat making his initial impressions on the AFL world.
The result however, saw the 17-year-old’s liking for the Club grow as he watched the young talent rising through the ranks.
“I know the list is young and it’s up and coming and there is a lot of youth and talent,” he said.
“That’s what I’m looking forward to doing, is getting involved with the boys, getting down there and getting stuck in.
“Youth is obviously something that is pretty appealing because you are there with a bunch of blokes that are the same age and you’ve got things in common so that is a real positive. “
