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  1. #16
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    Re: Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain

    Marcus Bontempelli to captain Western Bulldogs in 2020

    Western Bulldogs have a new captain for the 2020 season with star midfielder Marcus Bontempelli to assume the role.

    Easton Wood, who led the Dogs to their drought-breaking premiership in 2016, has stepped down.

    Bontempelli has served as vice-captain to Wood for the last two years but will step up to lead the club as it looks to build on what was an impressive finish to 2019.

    The 24-year-old was voted in by his teammates following a player vote on Tuesday morning.

    Wood, who announced his decision to step down to his teammates on Monday, will remain as part of the club’s leadership group, while Lachie Hunter has been named vice-captain.

    The trio will form part of a six-man leadership group that will also include Jason Johannisen, Mitch Wallis and Josh Dunkley.

    The only player on the Bulldogs list to not vote for Bontempelli was himself, instead voting for Hunter.

    “That just speaks to how I view myself but also I wouldn’t put myself before the team in any way. It’s something that I probably never would do,” Bontempelli said.

    “To know that he (Hunter) is sitting here next to me is a great feeling too because that’s how I viewed him as a footballerand a person. I know that we’ll be able to work really closely and well together.”

    Tuesday’s announcement came just 16 days after Bontempelli celebrated his 24th birthday, but the three-time club best-and-fairest winner is as ready as ever for the role.

    “Hopefully (I can be) someone who leads the team the way they need to be lead, a caring and empathetic one but someone who can hopefully influence the game and others in a positive way,” Bontempelli said.

    “Ultimately we talk a lot about legacy as football players and wanting to leave the jumper and the football club in a better place. That’s what I want to do. If I help one player on the list become a better player or person then hopefully I’ve done a good job.”

    Bontempelli said that like Wood in 2016, he hoped to one day raise a premiership cup above his head as captain.

    “That’s the dream at the end of the day,” Bontempelli said.

    “We know how hard it is to win and we know how hard it is to follow-up but I think we’re all excited about the journey the football club’s hopefully going to go on next season.”

    Wood spent the off-season considering his position and felt it was the right time to hand over the captaincy while he can still play a role in mentoring Bontempelli and the young group.

    The 30-year-old first captained the Bulldogs in 2016 after then-skipper Bob Murphy tore his anterior cruciate ligament.

    “Obviously it’s been a difficult decision to come to but I feel that now is the right time for both myself and for you boys and for the group,” Wood said in an address to his teammates posted on the club’s website.

    “The young leaders we’ve got currently in the leadership group and even coming in behind that, it’s a special young group, their hungry and one of the particular characteristics is that there’s no egos amongst our group, which is really quite special.

    “I’m excited about taking the next step in my own journey by helping our young leaders through their experience and watching them grow.

    “It goes without saying that captaining this group and this club has been the single biggest privilege of my career and I think only as time goes on, it will only be something I’m more and more proud of and as time goes it will only be something I’m more and more proud of and look back even more fondly.”

    Beveridge paid tribute to Wood and his contribution as captain.

    “On behalf of everyone associated with our club, I want to thank and congratulate Easton for his outstanding contribution as our captain during a period of success and significant change,” Beveridge said.

    “The hallmark of great leaders is consistency of temperament, care for others and work ethic regardless of the circumstances.

    “Easton has most definitely been dependable in displaying these traits and has forged a reputation as a beacon of strength and resilience within our club.”

  2. #17
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    Re: Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain

    Quote Originally Posted by bulldogtragic View Post
    Peter Gordon, can you please tell Dan Andrews to build a bridge in the Western Suburbs. We need one to name it after Bonts.
    Agreed BT, "Bonts Bridge" has a ring to it. Well deserved recognition!
    Sounds even better in French, as "Pont de Bonts"

  3. #18
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    Re: Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain

    Just so proud of Easton giving up such a cherished role would not have been easy. Our club is truely in the best shape ever never ever been prouder of any group. Thanks Easton and go get em Bont up the mighty scraggers!!!!
    bulldogs are forever not just when they are winning

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  5. #19
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    Re: Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain

    Quote Originally Posted by bornadog View Post
    FWIW I watch this several times. Macrae doesn't look over the moon.
    The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride.

  6. #20
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    Re: Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain

    I'm happy with this outcome. Much as I'd have been fine with Easton carrying on I'm happy he made the call and can concentrate on his footy and let Bont be the conqueror of all things Western Bulldogs and the AFL going forward.
    Nobody's looking for a puppeteer in today's wintry economic climate.

  7. #21
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    Re: Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain

    Quote Originally Posted by Dry Rot View Post
    FWIW I watch this several times. Macrae doesn't look over the moon.
    I think he's just one of those guys that has RBF a lot of the time.
    Nobody's looking for a puppeteer in today's wintry economic climate.

  8. #22
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    Re: Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain

    Quote Originally Posted by jeemak View Post
    I think he's just one of those guys that has RBF a lot of the time.
    The best of us are afflicted with that condition

    I am conflicted - I personally would have like Bont to have another year without the pressure of being captain first, but if the player group unanimously voted it, who am I to argue?
    Wake me up when we get to heaven, let me sleep if we're going to hell

    Good luck, for your sake I hope heaven and hell are really there, but I wouldn't hold my breath

    And we all found heaven - 2016 Premiers!

  9. #23
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    Re: Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain

    Quote Originally Posted by Dry Rot View Post
    FWIW I watch this several times. Macrae doesn't look over the moon.
    I think you are right.


    What's RBF mean?
    Have you been reading those Roddy Doyle books again, Dougal!?


    I have, yeah Ted, you big gobshite

  10. #24
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    Re: Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain

    Hm, maybe Macrae was the single vote against! Maybe Bonti isn't so modest after all... the plot thickens.

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  12. #25
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    Re: Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain

    Quote Originally Posted by Twodogs View Post
    I think you are right.


    What's RBF mean?
    Resting B**ch Face
    Wake me up when we get to heaven, let me sleep if we're going to hell

    Good luck, for your sake I hope heaven and hell are really there, but I wouldn't hold my breath

    And we all found heaven - 2016 Premiers!

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  14. #26
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    Re: Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain

    Quote Originally Posted by Dry Rot View Post
    FWIW I watch this several times. Macrae doesn't look over the moon.
    Knows the result is a foregone conclusion and wants to get out on the track and have a kick already.
    It's better to die on our feet than live on our knees.

  15. #27
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    Re: Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain

    FFC: Established 1883

    Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.

  16. #28
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    Re: Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain

    FWIW did Wood jump or was he pushed?
    The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride.

  17. #29
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    Re: Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain

    Quote Originally Posted by Dry Rot View Post
    FWIW did Wood jump or was he pushed?
    There is nothing to suggest he was pushed. I'd say he's wanted to support Bont going forward. He's done the handover in a very classy manner
    Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"

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  19. #30
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    Re: Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain

    Quote Originally Posted by Dry Rot View Post
    FWIW did Wood jump or was he pushed?
    If he was pushed then he sure knows how to fall. Looks stoked for Marcus in everything I've seen.
    - I'm a visionary - Only here to confirm my biases -

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