Congratulations to Marcus Bontempelli on 250 games

[Jeanette54]

Simply the GOAT Bulldog and many more years to come. I can see him playing to 40 if he wants to.

I was fortunate enough to have seen Ej's games from around 1959 onward. He was my real, live superman growing up, and on Saturdays performed superhuman feats in what were, quite frankly, below par teams. The then team was dogged by poor resources, woeful facilities, factional infighting at committee level, and only by selling our more talented players could we stay solvent. Ted was the glue that held this club together, both on the field and off it. Ted could never have been described as a statesman. He led by example but still remained one of us. A beacon of light in a grim industrial, working-class suburb.

But times, situations and society changes. Bont, without doubt shades Ej in pure football terms. (Yeah, that hurt). He also, at his young age, has displayed a degree of statesman like demeanor and insight, which I feel is way ahead of his peer age group. Bont obviously understands that a Captain's role extends far beyond a hundred minutes on a Saturday afternoon, and his efforts to support his players off field are well known.

Whoever is the GOAT, I do know one thing. If it's at all possible, EJ will be looking down on Bont's 250th tonight and will thoroughly endorse Bont inheriting his legacy.

And if there is a quiet moment at three quarter time I am sure you will hear, "I want you to give me everything you've got ......... stick it up them boys".

It would be a sin to lose this one.

[Bornadog]

A young Bont about to be drafted

[whythelongface]

What a legend and what an honour to have him as the leader of our club. He is the Roger Federer of AFL.

[ArsenalFC]

Give him a statue outside whitten oval. make that part of the contract renewal.

[merantau]

I was fortunate enough to have seen Ej's games from around 1959 onward. He was my real, live superman growing up, and on Saturdays performed superhuman feats in what were, quite frankly, below par teams. The then team was dogged by poor resources, woeful facilities, factional infighting at committee level, and only by selling our more talented players could we stay solvent. Ted was the glue that held this club together, both on the field and off it. Ted could never have been described as a statesman. He led by example but still remained one of us. A beacon of light in a grim industrial, working-class suburb.

But times, situations and society changes. Bont, without doubt shades Ej in pure football terms. (Yeah, that hurt). He also, at his young age, has displayed a degree of statesman like demeanor and insight, which I feel is way ahead of his peer age group. Bont obviously understands that a Captain's role extends far beyond a hundred minutes on a Saturday afternoon, and his efforts to support his players off field are well known.

Whoever is the GOAT, I do know one thing. If it's at all possible, EJ will be looking down on Bont's 250th tonight and will thoroughly endorse Bont inheriting his legacy.

And if there is a quiet moment at three quarter time I am sure you will hear, "I want you to give me everything you've got ......... stick it up them boys".

It would be a sin to lose this one.

Beautifully expressed Josie. EJ was a force of nature. From 1962 to 1070, when he was retired by the Club - a ridiculous decision, IMO - we never made the four. It was the bleakest period in my Bulldog supporting history. And yet, he was universally acknowledged as Mr Football.

Marcus is an incredible player and an inspiring leader. He speaks so eloquently. It's always about the Club, his team mates, his family and us - the supporters. He is a great man. For him to lead us to another flag is my fondest wish. Go Dogs! Go Bont!

[BiteNibbleChomp]

Give him a statue outside whitten oval. make that part of the contract renewal.

I loved when channel 7 did that clip show about him shortly before the game, and ended it with a picture of his statue right next to EJ's. This needs to happen.

- BNC

[Bornadog]

Beautifully expressed Josie. EJ was a force of nature. From 1962 to 1070, when he was retired by the Club - a ridiculous decision, IMO - we never made the four. It was the bleakest period in my Bulldog supporting history. And yet, he was universally acknowledged as Mr Football.

Marcus is an incredible player and an inspiring leader. He speaks so eloquently. It's always about the Club, his team mates, his family and us - the supporters. He is a great man. For him to lead us to another flag is my fondest wish. Go Dogs! Go Bont!

You mean Jeanette

[merantau]

Thanks BAD. I'm getting old! Post match euphoria/nervous exhaustion is a thing! Apology to Jeanette54

[Jeanette54]

Thanks BAD. I'm getting old! Post match euphoria/nervous exhaustion is a thing! Apology to Jeanette54

No problem Merantau, I think there might be a fair bit of total, nervous exhaustion going around our supporters this morning.

[Eastdog]

Congrats to Marcus! What a champion he has been. One of the best players we have ever had at the club. How good it would be for Bont as captain to lead us to another premiership.

[josie]

Thanks BAD. I'm getting old! Post match euphoria/nervous exhaustion is a thing! Apology to Jeanette54

I’m all for a bit of misplaced kudos

[azabob]

Jeemak, can you rethink moving your Chris Grant post to another thread?

Both champions of our club.

It is a brilliant post, but should not be in this thread.

[jeemak]

Jeemak, can you rethink moving your Chris Grant post to another thread?

Both champions of our club.

It is a brilliant post, but should not be in this thread.

If it's so brilliant why didn't you like it? Or even love it?

[jeemak]

Happy to move it wherever is suitable. Happy to take any suggestions on where that might be other than here as well.

GVGjr - can you please move post 27 to the top 25 Bulldogs thread that was started? Cheers.

[Bornadog]

Channel 7 mic'd up the Bont. Listen and watch here