Marcus Bontempelli close to AFL debut

[wimberga]

http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/mar...-1226887632143

HE has been knocking on the door for a few weeks, but young Western Bulldogs gun Marcus Bontempelli is a strong chance to make his AFL debut this weekend.

Bontempelli, who was taken at pick No. 4 in the 2013 National Draft, impressed for Footscray in the VFL last weekend, with Champion Data recording 27 touches, eight clearances, five tackles, three assists next to the hard-running midfielder’s name.

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney said Bontempelli, 18, was “in the mix” to play against Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
“He did some pretty incredible things in the VFL last week. He’s coming along nicely,” McCartney said on Thursday.

McCartney was hopeful that small forward Luke Dahlhaus (calf) would prove his fitness during training and take on the Blues.
Veteran defender Dale Morris will not play on Sunday, after suffering an ankle injury while tripping GWS’ Will Hoskin-Elliott in Round 4 — an incident he was consequently suspended for.
However McCartney is confident his team has the defensive depth to cover Morris.

“Dale out this week will give a young defender an opportunity. Fletcher Roberts and Michael Talia are both coming along,” he said.
The Bulldogs defeated Carlton by 28 points when the two teams last met (Round 20, 2013).
It was a win McCartney took great confidence out of.

“Statistically our win over Carlton last year was one of our best, we were playing pretty good footy then,” he said.
“We’re still a work in progress. This week’s focus has been all about us, reviewing our game, the opposition is pretty irrelevant.
“I think we’re tracking along OK, we’re becoming a good solid footy team, but you can’t get comfortable.”




Just name him already!

[Murphy'sLore]

'A good solid footy team.' So we're not 'young and developing and learning' any more. Excellent. We are now officially in Phase Two.

[bornadog]

He may replace Stringer this week.

[lemmon]

I wouldn't mind him getting a taste off a half forward flank, he'd be a strange match up for Carlton in terms of what he brings to the table physically

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Really hope he debuts, very intrigued about Bonti's prospects.

[ratsmac]

Really hope he debuts, very intrigued about Bonti's prospects.

Exactly, I couldn't have said it better.

[jeemak]

Bontempelli. Can't wait to see him get a game.

He and Jack-Mac are going to present a lot of issues in the coming years with their height and handling skills.

[LostDoggy]

Very exciting.

[azabob]

Bontempelli. Can't wait to see him get a game.

He and Jack-Mac are going to present a lot of issues in the coming years with their height and handling skills.

Liberatore not so much height, but handling skills. Wallis, Smith with their grunt, Dahlhaus with his agility the midfield is looking good. I do wonder if we will draft an out and out fast running, long kicking old fashioned wingman?

[LostDoggy]

Great debut. This kid looks the goods.

[Remi Moses]

We were told his hands are elite and he didn't disappoint.
The game's frenetic pace slows down when he or Jack Macrae have the ball.

[Ghost Dog]

Liberatore not so much height, but handling skills. Wallis, Smith with their grunt, Dahlhaus with his agility the midfield is looking good. I do wonder if we will draft an out and out fast running, long kicking old fashioned wingman?

His height is a factor if you consider his go go gadget arms. Even when tackled he has time for full 360 disposal with a raking handpass.

[Ozza]

Really Looking forward to seeing him once he is more AFL ready- fitness wise.
Had some good moments, a couple not so good - and was out on his feet a few times. But good to see him push through and get better as the game went on.

[lemmon]

This is also on the club's website but deserves to be posted. The trepidation, pride and achievement on his face captures the look of someone who knows what it means to be there. The right amounts of fear and excitement.

[bornadog]

Love his size and build, we have picked a beauty there.