After months of silence and growing fan anxiety, Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli has finally opened contract talks with the club, news that will come as a major relief at the Kennel.
The 29-year-old, widely regarded as the best player in the AFL, is yet to re-sign beyond 2025 but is now in active discussions with the Dogs on a new deal.
According to Nine’s Tom Morris’ report on Friday, both parties are engaged in “constructive” negotiations, with the club expected to reward Bontempelli for his loyalty adequately.
Known for waiting until late in a contract year to sign extensions, Bontempelli has never committed to deals longer than four years, something that could change this time around.
Fans nervous, but no surprises for seasoned watchers
While some Bulldogs supporters had started to worry, Morris believes this delay is very much par for the course.
“It’s taken so long because Bontempelli had other priorities. He was injured, he was opening up a café, he always waits until midway or late in his contract year to extend — I don’t think there’s anything to be concerned about. That’s just who he is,” he said in a Wide World of Sports column last month.
As for the deal length?
“How long he’ll sign for is a fascinating one. I would find it hard to think he would sign for any less than four years,” Morris said.
“If he wanted to, he could sign for more, but traditionally he hasn’t wanted to sign long-term deals, so I don’t know why he would break that cycle now at the age of 29.”
Despite being well held by Marcus Windhager in Thursday night’s win over St Kilda, Bontempelli’s body of work speaks for itself: six All-Australian selections, 248 games, and a status in the game few can match.