Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli says a real emphasis has been placed on starting the 2021 season better than previous years. 

Thanks to an opening round win over Collingwood and thrilling seven-point triumph over West Coast, the Bulldogs are sitting 2-0, and are one of five teams to be undefeated heading into round three.

Bontempelli said it’s been pleasing to see his side start its 2021 campaign on the right foot.

“A focus for us probably every year, but this year (in particular) was clearly to make a better start than we have in previous seasons,” Bontempelli told media on Thursday afternoon. 

“Being able to sort of get yourself off on the right foot, and build some confidence over the pre-season and especially in that AAMI Series game we had was really important for us. 

“If you reflect on ‘okay we’ve managed to start the season better than we have in the past’, there’s a pretty steely reserve to continue to go on and protect the momentum you start to create.

“As much as sort of checks and balances are important to do as you go, it’s still really important for us to continue to strive for more and for better.”

It has been a different start to 2021 for their opponents in North Melbourne, but Bontempelli said he is expecting the Kangaroos to bring their best footy in Good Friday’s ‘Kick for the Kids’. 

“I think every game and every opponent you expect them to bring their best, and that’s the same this week with North,” he said.

“We’ve had some pretty close ones over the years at different points, so that would be a great thing for the fans and the people who we love having back at Marvel Stadium. 

“One of the challenges you do face as a football club is trying to build that resilience into your game – it’s a challenge for us to continue and stay task-focused, and not get too carried away with the game and the scoreline at different times, so that’s probably a work in progress for us.

“You’ve got to continue to fight for every score you can, and I know North will (definitely) make us work for it tomorrow.”

Bontempelli also mentioned that while there are four points up for grabs tomorrow afternoon, there’s a much bigger cause to play for, and one the Bulldogs are proud to be involved in once again.

“The ‘Kick for the Kids’ is such a good cause, and such an important cause for us to be able to recognise and help support,” the skipper said.

“For the Western Bulldogs to be back a part of the game with North Melbourne – we’re really looking forward to it.”

Tomorrow’s Good Friday ‘Kick for the Kids’ match will begin at 4.20pm at Marvel Stadium.

The Western Bulldogs will be doing its part to raise money for the Good Friday Appeal, which does a remarkable job to support the monumental work of the Royal Children's Hospital. 

You can donate to the Club’s Good Friday Appeal fundraising page here.