'I care a lot': Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli responds to contract concerns
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Western Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli has talked down contract concerns as the wait for the premiership hero to put pen to paper on a new deal continues.
Bontempelli, who comes out of contract at the end of 2025, is "confident and comfortable" that he will re-sign with the club, with his focus turning to his performance ahead of the new season.
After a disappointing elimination final loss to Hawthorn in 2024, the midfielder feels it is his responsibility to get better and take the team with him, in their bid to get back to the promised land.
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"I think because I care so much about the team's performance, I care a lot about the condition and football form I am in, that's what I feel more pressure on," Bontempelli said on Wednesday.
"I am pretty confident and comfortable in my state of play at the minute."
Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs looks dejected after their loss to Hawthorn in the finals. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The 29-year-old also wants to see the focus on the younger Bulldogs as they strive to lock in their best 22 spot.
"I guess I look more forward now to guys like Sam (Darcy) and other young guys who are going to start pushing the club forward in a stronger direction," he said.
And that means the 240-gamer can help the next generation push for the club's third premiership in their 100-year history.
"Hopefully at some point I can take somewhat of a back seat and just watch these boys play," he said.
As for Bontempelli's priorities, while it's almost certain he'll be in the red, white and blue next season and beyond, the attention now turns to fine-tuning his game.
"In my own journey, especially coming off last year, it was really (about locking) in on the summer period," Bontempelli said.
"Obviously we bowed out prematurely from what we wanted to (the finals), and I think even for me in my previous contract negotiations, I've always taken my time with them.
"I think that's because my priorities just change at this time of year.
Bontempelli has yet to sign on beyond 2025. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"They (priorities) become definitely more focused on performance, getting the group in the best shape that we can be to start the season."
The Bulldogs have been criticised for being unable to replicate their dream run to the 2016 flag, given their wealth of top end talent. In that drought-breaking year they finished the regular season seventh before an astonishing finals run to be crowned premiers.
"To say 'I haven't put any thought into it' (contract talks) isn't probably right, but it's just not right at the top of my list of things that I want to focus on at the minute," he said.
The Bulldogs start their 2025 premiership campaign against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday March 15.
