Marcus Bontempelli

[AshMac]

I’d be happy w $10m over 8 years if his hip condition isn’t degenerative.

[Dancin' Douggy]

Now....... maybe I'm the lamest man in Australia, but despite the fact it's Friday night and I should be 'a rocking' out there somewhere in the world's most liveable city, I'm taking some pleasure reading this thread from the start. From the first post down.

It unwinds like a Tolstoy epic. The backers, the doubters, the sideways glances....... people who are so damn CONVINCED they know the score..........the trajectories of all the characters in play. The chosen ones.........the untouchables.........the passage of time that transforms not only the characters but the observers. The slow realisation, that something special is unfolding........

And.... once the battle is over, and many young men's careers have been judged, transformed........and, yes destroyed.

WE can now judge the colonels and generals. The decision makers......

..... because one heroic figure emerges from the mist and smoke of battle.......one champion.........the dark horse.........

Marcus Bontempelli.

What a great and brave decision to take him at pick 4.

[1eyedog]

Scharenberg is a much safer option than Bontempelli and should be selected on that basis. Bomtempelli may end up a better player but we won't be disappointed with Scharenberg and their is more risk with Bontempelli.

Lol you're an idiot.

[EasternWest]

Lol you're an idiot.

Ha ha that's gold.

[1eyedog]

Imagine the Bont at the Pies shudder.

[bulldogtragic]

Bonts now two votes clear on top of the afl coaches award. Two over Tim Kelly and 10 over Cripps. Hope he stays there, and a sign about Charlie later in the year.

[azabob]

Yep
Bonts now two votes clear on top of the afl coaches award. Two over Tim Kelly and 10 over Cripps. Hope he stays there, and a sign about Charlie later in the year.

My biggest fear is we as a club are wasting Bontempelli and his prime years.

With his ability and players around him we should be playing finals.

It’s extremely disappointing we don’t get to see him more on the big stage and surely this comes into play when he signs his next contract.

[Mantis]

My biggest fear is we as a club are wasting Bontempelli and his prime years.

With his ability and players around him we should be playing finals.

It’s extremely disappointing we don’t get to see him more on the big stage and surely this comes into play when he signs his next contract.

As opposed to Carlton with Cripps who has carried a massive load whilst playing for a bottom 2 or 3 team. At least Bont has climbed the highest mountain, Carlton are struggling to climb Mt. Wycheproof.

We aren’t far away from being a force again and I think Bont can see that.

[GVGjr]

Yep

My biggest fear is we as a club are wasting Bontempelli and his prime years.

With his ability and players around him we should be playing finals.

It’s extremely disappointing we don’t get to see him more on the big stage and surely this comes into play when he signs his next contract.

There is something to that view. We need to be more competitive in the next few years.

[Bulldog4life]

There is something to that view. We need to be more competitive in the next few years.

I think we will be. This trade and draft period is so important for us to take the next step.

[The bulldog tragician]

Yep

My biggest fear is we as a club are wasting Bontempelli and his prime years.

With his ability and players around him we should be playing finals.

It’s extremely disappointing we don’t get to see him more on the big stage and surely this comes into play when he signs his next contract.

I can't bear to think about this.

With the emergence of Naughton and Smith, though, there is another superstar tier below him. I think there is another flag over the next three years, with smart recruiting to fill the void in the backline where there is a lack of class. Having said that, our premiership-winning defence did consist of three rookies (M Boyd, D Morris and the Norm Smith medallist JJ), a bloke who hasn't been able to get a game for most of the following years (Roberts) and rejects from Geelong and Sydney (Biggs and Hamling), so it's not always about having absolute silk, but the chemistry, buy-in and game plan. Anyway back to Bont. He was unbelievable on Sunday. Without him we'd have lost by 10 goals. Sign him forever please.

[craigsahibee]

Yep

My biggest fear is we as a club are wasting Bontempelli and his prime years.

With his ability and players around him we should be playing finals.

It’s extremely disappointing we don’t get to see him more on the big stage and surely this comes into play when he signs his next contract.

Don't worry. The Bont hasn't reached his Prime yet.

[bulldogtragic]

AFL Coaches Award - Two rounds left.

VOTES PLAYER CLUB

93 Marcus Bontempelli WB
86 Tim Kelly GEEL
83 Nat Fyfe FRE
78 Patrick Cripps CARL
76 Luke Shuey WCE
73 Lachie Neale BL
72 Patrick Dangerfield GEEL
68 Brodie Grundy COLL
67 Travis Boak PORT
65 Ben Cunnington NMFC
64 Jack Macrae WB
62 Josh Dunkley WB

3 of the best 11 midfielders according to the AFEL coaches. Our 3 are also 3 of the 4 youngest on the list.

[azabob]

As opposed to Carlton with Cripps who has carried a massive load whilst playing for a bottom 2 or 3 team. At least Bont has climbed the highest mountain, Carlton are struggling to climb Mt. Wycheproof.

We aren’t far away from being a force again and I think Bont can see that.

I really hope so Mantis.

I'm sure like you, we couldn't care less about Carlton and Cripps and if they ever leave princess park car park.

[ledge]

I really hope so Mantis.

I'm sure like you, we couldn't care less about Carlton and Cripps and if they ever leave princess park car park.

Oh I wouldn’t mind Cripps leaving and finding a home in Barkly st Footscray.

[bulldogtragic]

AFL Coaches Award - Two rounds left.

VOTES PLAYER CLUB

93 Marcus Bontempelli WB
86 Tim Kelly GEEL
83 Nat Fyfe FRE
78 Patrick Cripps CARL
76 Luke Shuey WCE
73 Lachie Neale BL
72 Patrick Dangerfield GEEL
68 Brodie Grundy COLL
67 Travis Boak PORT
65 Ben Cunnington NMFC
64 Jack Macrae WB
62 Josh Dunkley WB

3 of the best 11 midfielders according to the AFEL coaches. Our 3 are also 3 of the 4 youngest on the list.

With Kelly playing only ok games, and Bonts last two games, he will add AFL Coaches Player of the Year to his resume. With the margin he could win by, maybe a Brownlow too.

[chef]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1qXur7AgYw/?igshid=9unejwqnqhiu

Bont wins.

[Go_Dogs]

Great news - convincing in the end.

3 dogs finish in the top 10!

[bulldogtragic]

Looking forward to the Brownlow now.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

He has been huge this year, All we need is for him to start kicking straight again for goals. He has blown a lot of shots this year that in his first two seasons he would have no problems slotting.

[ratsmac]

What a star the Bont is!! I still pinch myself that he actually plays for us.

I love how he blew the field away in the end. Cripps pfft.

[bulldogtragic]

1. 107 Marcus Bontempelli WB
2. 90 Patrick Dangerfield GEEL
3. 88 Nat Fyfe FRE
4. 86 Tim Kelly GEEL
5. 82 Patrick Cripps CARL
6. 82 Brodie Grundy COLL
7. 82 Lachie Neale BL
8. 76 Luke Shuey WCE
9. 75 Jack Macrae WB
10. 72 Josh Dunkley WB

[Rocket Science]

Somewhere Lewy Taylor's hugging his Rising Star medal a little harder tonight.

[strebla]

Great year he is just the cream with Macrae and Dunkley allowing home to be the polish on the end.

[The bulldog tragician]

It has been an awesome season for Bont. I loved how he started the match on Sunday. All fierce intent and determined to make it happen.

(As an aside..during our late season resurgence we have started matches so well whereas early in the year sluggish starts were the norm and often very costly).

[bornadog]

Best mid in the AFL, without a doubt and Macrae and Dunks in the top 10 for votes, so we do have the best midfield in the AFL

[Dancin' Douggy]

Best mid in the AFL, without a doubt and Macrae and Dunks in the top 10 for votes, so we do have the best midfield in the AFL

yep. this pretty much proves it.

[Jeanette54]

So pleased that our mid-field received the recognition that they deserved after a great year of home and away games.

Well earned and well deserved.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

How about that. Who would have thought after the bye that our three musketers would be All Australian and all in coaches top ten, brilliant.
Highest regards for Bontempell. Once in a generation player who may yet have another level but the one he is on now is priceless. I have to ignore the poetry in my head when I write about him.

[josie]

How about that. Who would have thought after the bye that our three musketers would be All Australian and all in coaches top ten, brilliant.
Highest regards for Bontempell. Once in a generation player who may yet have another level but the one he is on now is priceless. I have to ignore the poetry in my head when I write about him.
Or write a poem and share with other Woofers....

[Twodogs]

Or write a poem and share with other Woofers....

And there are so many things that rhyme wi9th Bontempelli too.

Telly, Rally, Smelly, Belly, Alley, Deli, Valley, ummm, Nelly...

[Mofra]

And there are so many things that rhyme wi9th Bontempelli too.

Telly, Rally, Smelly, Belly, Alley, Deli, Valley, ummm, Nelly...
Petrucelle
Kelly
Welly

[Twodogs]

Petrucelle
Kelly
Welly

Vermicelli
Violoncelli
Duelli
Scally*




*wag

[bornadog]

Nominated for The AFL Players MVP along with Dunks and Macrae

[BornInDroopSt'54]

'Bontempelli' could rhyme with or go with
Bontempelli Scally-wag,
Bontempelli Bonaparte,
Contemplative Bontempelli,
Temporarily Bontempelli,
Bellicose Bontempelli,
Compelling Bontempelli,
Not George Pell Bontempelli,
Pele Bontempelli,
Empathic Bontempelli,
Discombobulating Bontempelli,
Molto bene Bontempelli.

[angelopetraglia]

Seriously. How lucky are Bulldogs supporters? We get to see the Bont run around every weekend and do what he does. Special moments every weekend. Special player. Special person. Bleeds red, white and blue too.

Never taken for granted. Love him.

[Mofra]

Seriously. How lucky are Bulldogs supporters? We get to see the Bont run around every weekend and do what he does. Special moments every weekend. Special player. Special person. Bleeds red, white and blue too.

Never taken for granted. Love him.
+ unlike other clubs with stars, we have a truckload of cap space to keep him.

Our 'agreement' with Mercedes Benz and having seen him jetting around in one of their crew cabs suggests he's pretty comfortable.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Seriously. How lucky are Bulldogs supporters? We get to see the Bont run around every weekend and do what he does. Special moments every weekend. Special player. Special person. Bleeds red, white and blue too.

Never taken for granted. Love him.

And he's Italian like Angelo and Ducati, Mazerati, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, Laverda and spaghetti marinara.

[josie]

'Bontempelli' could rhyme with or go with
Bontempelli Scally-wag,
Bontempelli Bonaparte,
Contemplative Bontempelli,
Temporarily Bontempelli,
Bellicose Bontempelli,
Compelling Bontempelli,
Not George Pell Bontempelli,
Pele Bontempelli,
Empathic Bontempelli,
Discombobulating Bontempelli,
Molto bene Bontempelli.

Send this to club. It’s worth bottling.

[Ozza]

I remember being at a presidents dinner functionback in 2014, and Matt Boyd must have been injured as he was interviewed in the room. Bont was a first year player at the time, and I recall Boydy saying that Bontempelli was the most talented player he'd ever seen walk through the doors at Whitten Oval.

[azabob]

If he wasn’t injured during his first pre season he wouldn’t have played VFL at all.

A bit like Judd at West Coast, he played one WAFL game and apparently afterwards the WAFL coach said well we’re never seeing him again.

[ledge]

If he wasn’t injured during his first pre season he wouldn’t have played VFL at all.

A bit like Judd at West Coast, he played one WAFL game and apparently afterwards the WAFL coach said well we’re never seeing him again.

I have seen 4 at the dogs that hit me like that the minute I saw them, Templeton, Hawkins, Grant, Bont.
Bailey Smith looks like he will never play VFL either.

[Axe Man]

Apparently the players don't rate Bont as highly as the coaches, not even in the top 5???

AFLPA MVP
1. Patrick Cripps (832)
2. Tim Kelly (519)
3. Lachie Neale (481)
4. Brodie Grundy (355)
5. Nat Fyfe (303)

[SonofScray]

Apparently the players don't rate Bont as highly as the coaches, not even in the top 5???

AFLPA MVP
1. Patrick Cripps (832)
2. Tim Kelly (519)
3. Lachie Neale (481)
4. Brodie Grundy (355)
5. Nat Fyfe (303)
Surprised by that. Suspect that Bont not Mr Popular due to beating up on everyone all the time. Honestly, he is that good that our recognition of what is good for him is skewed significantly. An excellent Bont performance is actually normal in our eyes now.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Apparently the players don't rate Bont as highly as the coaches, not even in the top 5???

AFLPA MVP
1. Patrick Cripps (832)
2. Tim Kelly (519)
3. Lachie Neale (481)
4. Brodie Grundy (355)
5. Nat Fyfe (303)

I really don't get the love for Cripps to the exclusion of others. Yes he's ekite, but side by side against other elite mids its not like he stands out. Certainly when you look at Cripps' stats against Bont, there is no real discernable difference. Indeed I'd say Bont comes out marginally ahead.

[Grantysghost]

Apparently the players don't rate Bont as highly as the coaches, not even in the top 5???

AFLPA MVP
1. Patrick Cripps (832)
2. Tim Kelly (519)
3. Lachie Neale (481)
4. Brodie Grundy (355)
5. Nat Fyfe (303)

Intelligence isn't their strong point.

[Grantysghost]

Surprised by that. Suspect that Bont not Mr Popular due to beating up on everyone all the time. Honestly, he is that good that our recognition of what is good for him is skewed significantly. An excellent Bont performance is actually normal in our eyes now.

Yes I think that's a fair comment. To have a year like he has, having played more games than Cripps and not even make top 5 then the jokes on them.

[bornadog]

I really don't get the love for Cripps to the exclusion of others. Yes he's ekite, but side by side against other elite mids its not like he stands out. Certainly when you look at Cripps' stats against Bont, there is no real discernable difference. Indeed I'd say Bont comes out marginally ahead.

Bont is also more damaging in a game, you only have to look at goals (15) and goal assists (20), compared to Cripps 13 and 6.

Cripps has no one else in his team to compete against in the midfield.

[Axe Man]

Cripps has no one else in his team to compete against in the midfield.

You could also say Cripps gets all the attention whereas the presence of Macrae and Dunkley mean the opposition can't afford to focus solely on Bont.

Bont and Cripps are both great players, all bulldogs bias aside there isn't much between them in my opinion. The ridiculous part is that Cripps gets +800 votes to Bont less than 300.

[Mantis]

Bont is also more damaging in a game, you only have to look at goals (15) and goal assists (20), compared to Cripps 13 and 6.

They're very different players as Cripps as more damaging in close (more CP's & clearances) wherease Bont is more hurtful on the outside (higher metres gained & score assists/ involevements)


Cripps has no one else in his team to compete against in the midfield.

No-one?

Murphy & Walsh average 25 disposals per game & Curnow 22 so he's not a lone soldier.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

You could also say Cripps gets all the attention whereas the presence of Macrae and Dunkley mean the opp[osition can't afford to focus solely on Bont.

Bont and Cripps and both great players, all bulldogs bias aside there isn't much between them in my opinion. The ridiculous part is that Cripps gets +800 votes to Bont less than 300.
[/B]
That's the nub of my confusion. How can there be such a discrepancy.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Bonts highlight reel would be better than the other contenders'

[azabob]

Apparently the players don't rate Bont as highly as the coaches, not even in the top 5???

AFLPA MVP
1. Patrick Cripps (832)
2. Tim Kelly (519)
3. Lachie Neale (481)
4. Brodie Grundy (355)
5. Nat Fyfe (303)

Clearly they don’t rate premiership players...

[whythelongface]

Clearly they don’t rate premiership players...

Good call.

Clearly they are all exceptional players but come on to not rate Bont in the top 5, let alone top 2 is surely a joke.

Do the coaches see the game from a completely different perspective to the players??

[Mofra]

Good call.

Clearly they are all exceptional players but come on to not rate Bont in the top 5, let alone top 2 is surely a joke.

Do the coaches see the game from a completely different perspective to the players??
"Most Valuable" is not the same as "best"

Without the Bont our starting midfield still has Dunkley & Macrae in it. That's a brilliant duo to have in the middle.

Without Cripps, how does Carlton's midfield look? It's basically a promising kid, a housebrick and a poodle named Trevor. Cripps is more important to Carlton than almost any other player is to his team.

[jeemak]

Good call.

Clearly they are all exceptional players but come on to not rate Bont in the top 5, let alone top 2 is surely a joke.

Do the coaches see the game from a completely different perspective to the players??

We all make the assumption that because of the fact that players play, they know about the game more than everyone else. I'm not sure they do.

I'm pretty sure the coaches do.

[mjp]

Do the coaches see the game from a completely different perspective to the players??

I have to admit, I am pretty cynical about both of these awards.

- Say what you want, for Dangerfield to not even be nominated from Geelong is a bit of a joke.
- If I was a coach, I would give my primary votes to 1 or 2 of my players each week...that way, those would be pushed up the leaderboard. [In other words, Bont was 3rd best...still give him 5 votes 'cos they all count by the end.]

All that said, both Cripps and Bont are worthy winners!

[Bulldog Joe]

Apparently the players don't rate Bont as highly as the coaches, not even in the top 5???

AFLPA MVP
1. Patrick Cripps (832)
2. Tim Kelly (519)
3. Lachie Neale (481)
4. Brodie Grundy (355)
5. Nat Fyfe (303)

The Players Association is the least informed. All of the listed players have an equal vote and more than half have hardly seen a game they have not played in.

They are the most susceptible to an opinion from their social media peer group, rather than a football based group.

There is absolutely no way that Cripps could rank that highly compared to Brodie Grundy on any INFORMED opinion.

We won't get down to Bont, playing for a team that just does not receive the same level of media coverage.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Bontempelli on Mont Blanc
Bontempelli telling
Bontempelli temporarily attempting a torpedo
Bontempelli well and truly
Bontempelli ill met to Toblerone
Bontempelli jumps over the moon.

[AshMac]

Bont considered the most “valuable asset” in the AFL according to the stats

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-period-2019-afls-most-valuable-asset-best-young-player-marcus-bontempelli-tim-taranto-patrick-cripps/news-story/94e7dfac2f189b9238865508d7aad7d5

Cripps according to the “experts”

[comrade]

Bont considered the most “valuable asset” in the AFL according to the stats

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-period-2019-afls-most-valuable-asset-best-young-player-marcus-bontempelli-tim-taranto-patrick-cripps/news-story/94e7dfac2f189b9238865508d7aad7d5

Cripps according to the “experts”

Wouldn’t trade Bont for all the draft picks in the world.

BUT...here’s an interesting exercise. What deal would it take for you to give up Bont? Can include players and picks.

[azabob]

Bont considered the most “valuable asset” in the AFL according to the stats

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-period-2019-afls-most-valuable-asset-best-young-player-marcus-bontempelli-tim-taranto-patrick-cripps/news-story/94e7dfac2f189b9238865508d7aad7d5

Cripps according to the “experts”

What does Bontempelli's next contract earn him per year? $1.2M?

What would he be paid on the open market? $1.5M?

[azabob]

Wouldn’t trade Bont for all the draft picks in the world.

BUT...here’s an interesting exercise. What deal would it take for you to give up Bont? Can include players and picks.

If Marcus Bontempelli ever plays in another clubs jumper I reckon i'd be done...

In all my time following this club there have only been two players which would break my heart if they left. Chris Grant and Marcus Bontempelli.

Sorry Comrade I can't even begin to entertain your scenario. Bontempelli is worth more to US in so many ways, than any other player and players.

[bulldogtragic]

What does Bontempelli's next contract earn him per year? $1.2M?

What would he be paid on the open market? $1.5M?

About that. If he's captain, and we have a long window (as it looks like) say maybe $1.1M topped up with some off field dollars. The new CBA isn't due for a couple of years from when we hope he signs, but at minimum a pro rata increase in line with the salary cap increase. The last CBA had about a 20% increase in the first year. A pro rata increase on that level (if it happens again) to Bonts takes him to $1.3M and some off field dollars in 2023 onwards.

[1eyedog]

Bont's untouchable. I'd consider it for Kelvin Templeton and EJ Whitten. Pay him whatever he wants by the time he's 28 he will be far and away the best player in the comp.

[bornadog]

If Marcus Bontempelli ever plays in another clubs jumper I reckon i'd be done...

In all my time following this club there have only been two players which would break my heart if they left. Chris Grant and Marcus Bontempelli.

Sorry Comrade I can't even begin to entertain your scenario. Bontempelli is worth more to US in so many ways, than any other player and players.

Yes Chris and Bont - I am with you.

[Twodogs]

Yes Chris and Bont - I am with you.

KT broke my teenage heart.

[bornadog]

KT broke my teenage heart.

Same.

The only thing I was grateful for was when he left us, he wasn't the same player after his injury. Imagine if he was at his best at Melbourne, and we had to stand back and watch.

[Twodogs]

Same.

The only thing I was grateful for was when he left us, he wasn't the same player after his injury. Imagine if he was at his best at Melbourne, and we had to stand back and watch.

That would have been devastating. If that had happened, I don't know if I could have loved the club or the game the way I do.

[1eyedog]

KT broke my teenage heart.

Sames my first crush as a 10 year old.

[AshMac]

What does Bontempelli's next contract earn him per year? $1.2M?

What would he be paid on the open market? $1.5M?

I’d assume about that. $1.2m minimum for 5-6 years I’d have thought. It’s funny, I’d have paid him that over 10 years when he last signed for much less money and time. But I’d be the worst negotiator in that contract.

It’d go like this:

Bont: Hi
Me: We’ll double it!

[SquirrelGrip]

The Bont v Cripps: a free agent gap opens up
Jake Niall
Chief football writer, The Age

In 2019, Patrick Cripps was shoulder to shoulder with Marcus Bontempelli in the pecking order of game-influencing midfielders.

At that point, Cripps was in the conversation about the best handful of players in the AFL. If not for Dustin Martin, he might have held the top spot. Certainly, he was viewed as a top five player who had just entered his peak; limited outside, he was nonpareil at winning the hardest balls in the scrimmages that had become so prevalent.

In 2021, the paths of fellow skippers and 2013 draftees Bontempelli and Cripps have diverged as sharply as the performance of their teams in the final quarter on Sunday, when the Bont stepped up his game and Cripps was unable to get hold of the ball.

Bontempelli could not have timed his brilliance better, both against the Blues and in the broader context of 2021, when he is a free agent and when the decision for him will not simply be about the contract he could command - rather, it will be what he is willing to accept to keep the Bulldogs in premiership contention.

Cripps, conversely, has picked the wrong year thus far to be a free agent. The widespread view is that a less-congested game, with fewer stoppage opportunities for a contested beast, has not played to Cripps’ strengths.

Contractual negotiations are always conducted on the field. In 2017, Richmond’s first offer to Martin was for little more than $800,000 and four years. By the time he signed, just before the finals, Dusty was commanding closer to $1.2m for seven seasons.

If there was relatively little separating Bontempelli and Cripps in 2019 - that’s the only season in which, statistically, Champion Data placed Cripps ahead of Bontempelli (Cripps led the AFL in clearances) - today, a sizeable gap has been established.

In those ratings - more accurate than other measures of players’ value - Bontempelli is the AFL’s top ranked player in 2021, ahead of Nic Naitanui and, curiously, Tom Liberatore is third. Cripps is just outside the top 100 this year.

One experienced football official from a rival club, asked what Cripps was worth compared with Bontempelli, said: “Definitely not as much. Because Bont gets so much outside . Cripps doesn’t.” He guessed that the gap would be at least $200,000 per annum, with Bontempelli obviously able to earn more than $1m a year.

For the Bulldogs, the contract discussions with Bontempelli will be shaped by what the skipper wants, both in terms of quantum of dollars and the length. It is conceivable, too, that Bontempelli might not want the new superstar standard of a very long deal of more than five years, such as that signed by Melbourne’s Christian Petracca (seven years).

While other clubs with a pressing need for an inside player would still see value in Cripps, it is hard to see him gaining one of those mega deals, such as Petracca’s.

In part, Cripps is a victim of his own combative style, and the longstanding lack of a supporting cast - barring the astonishing Sam Walsh.

Cripps, above all, has carried both a team and some injuries, such as stress fractures in his back, while smoother Marcus has been blessed with teammates that share some of his talents (Jack Macrae being the main ally).

Bontempelli, indeed, rivals or almost surpasses Dusty for durability. He has missed only three games in the past five years and only once - in 2018 - has Bont not played for consecutive games.

The most marked difference between Bontempelli and Cripps is, as that club official put it, on the outside, Bontempelli having averaged a remarkable 598 metres per game, with a kicking efficiency of 65 per cent. Bont has had the lowest proportion of contested possessions - just 37 per cent in 2021 - in his career, yet has inflicted greater damage (7.9 average score involvements, 1.1 goals per game).

Carlton, though, won’t have lost faith in their skipper. If they mightn’t offer him what he was worth in 2019, they can be counted on to back Cripps to regain his footing. While he’s no longer shoulder to shoulder with the Bont, he’s still a formidable inside warrior, even in a game that’s developing a bias towards those with an outside gear.

[B]Bontempelli v Cripps in second half
Disposals: Bontempelli 17 v Cripps 5
Contested Possessions: 12 v 3
Clearances: 6 v 2
Tackles: 3 v 2
Inside 50s: 5 v 0
Goals: 1 v 1
Score Assists: 2 v 0
Score Involvements: 9 v 2


https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-bont-v-cripps-a-free-agent-gap-opens-up-20210510-p57qjv.html

[Axe Man]

Someone on reddit produced footballers with different hairstyles. Apologies for the ensuing nightmares...

https://i.postimg.cc/qRWtJqLs/bont.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Hc4W3pFn)

Link (https://www.reddit.com/r/AFL/comments/n87hi7/popular_footy_players_with_different_hairstyles/?utm_content=title&utm_medium=post_embed&utm_name=59e683c32fb8461c85fe74b913632434&utm_source=embedly&utm_term=n87hi7)

[Ghost Dog]

Brilliant goal, first one in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwC8iT2NUJs

Bont stands up incredibly well in tackles, handballs in all sorts of creative ways, and his kicking action is sublime.
Maybe the best player I have ever seen and he plays for us.

Dalrymple!!!!!!

[azabob]

Brilliant goal, first one in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwC8iT2NUJs

Bont stands up incredibly well in tackles, handballs in all sorts of creative ways, and his kicking action is sublime.
Maybe the best player I have ever seen and he plays for us.

Dalrymple!!!!!!

GD, you need to find the clip with the commentary. Anthony Hudson calls it beautifully.

[Happy Days]

Can we make a pact not to bump this thread again until he re-signs? You guys seriously got my hopes up.

[azabob]

GD has got me going down memory lane

Back where it all started - jumper presentation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XEEEvzXeKo

[Ghost Dog]

GD has got me going down memory lane

Back where it all started - jumper presentation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XEEEvzXeKo

Memories of Rocket answering question after question about how we are going to get a tall-forward, frustrated not having a tall forward, or wondering how we can get blue chip, players, year after year. And here we are today, so gratifying to have such riches.

[jeemak]

When were they shoulder to shoulder?

[bulldogtragic]

When were they shoulder to shoulder?

Sometime after ‘Bontempelli or Josh Kelly?’, which was after ‘Bontempelli or Billing’s?’

[comrade]

My fave part of that article is Libba being currently the 3rd ranked player in the league according to CD. What a legend.

[Bulldog Joe]

When were they shoulder to shoulder?

Probably briefly in a Carlton supporters dream.

[The bulldog tragician]

I saw this thread, got hopeful (he's resigned!), got nervous (he's considering a trillion dollar offer from one of our mortal enemies - you know who), got anxious (injury at training???) and then proud and relieved.

What an exquisite talent we have. He is a joy to watch. Now please allay those fears we all have...

[Bulldog Joe]

I saw this thread, got hopeful (he's re-signed!), got nervous (he's considering a trillion dollar offer from one of our mortal enemies - you know who), got anxious (injury at training???) and then proud and relieved.

What an exquisite talent we have. He is a joy to watch. Now please allay those fears we all have...

Fixed to convey what you mean.

I know it is a difficult word but let's always make sure we hyphenate so that is never misunderstood.

[Twodogs]

Brilliant goal, first one in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwC8iT2NUJs

Bont stands up incredibly well in tackles, handballs in all sorts of creative ways, and his kicking action is sublime.
Maybe the best player I have ever seen and he plays for us.

Dalrymple!!!!!!

My son was in the USA on holiday when Bont kicked that goal. I can still remember where I was when I sent him the footage.

[jeemak]

My son was in the USA on holiday when Bont kicked that goal. I can still remember where I was when I sent him the footage.

At home on your computer TD?

[Twodogs]

At home on your computer TD?

Standing in the driveway of a house I lived in 3 moves ago smoking a cigarette. I can't remember how long ago I stopped smoking.

[The bulldog tragician]

Fixed to convey what you mean.

I know it is a difficult word but let's always make sure we hyphenate so that is never misunderstood.

The Freudian slip.

[Go_Dogs]

My fave part of that article is Libba being currently the 3rd ranked player in the league according to CD. What a legend.

He’s been so damn good in the clearance + his pressure.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Super star stuff tonight. Atlas level tonight, held the heaven's on his shoulders, and kept lifting when it looked dire.

[bornadog]

Super star stuff tonight. Atlas level tonight, held the heaven's on his shoulders, and kept lifting when it looked dire.

He is a match winner

[Testekill]

Jeez. That's the type of game where you point to a player and say that they're one of the best in the league

[EasternWest]

Super star stuff tonight. Atlas level tonight, held the heaven's on his shoulders, and kept lifting when it looked dire.

He's a freak. Just a freak.

[jeemak]

Yeah as good as Libba was I think Marcus was the guy tonight. Two very very important goals, the first being when we didn't think we were getting reward for effort in the first, the second when we really needed to hang in there in the second.

Got a lot of depth with his field kicking too, which is important on a long ground where you can be squeezed short.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Yeah as good as Libba was I think Marcus was the guy tonight. Two very very important goals, the first being when we didn't think we were getting reward for effort in the first, the second when we really needed to hang in there in the second.

Got a lot of depth with his field kicking too, which is important on a long ground where you can be squeezed short.

It's chicken and egg stuff...
Bont was just sublime and his moments tonight were of the highest order. I loved his second goal. He's regularly missed from that spot; and it was such a vital shot.
Having said that, Libba won vital clearances, and when he didn't, he halved contests. Thank goodness we had both Libba and Bont tonight.

[Mofra]

No other player in the competition would have kicked Bont's first, at the end of the first quarter

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

No other player in the competition would have kicked Bont's first, at the end of the first quarter

Not the finishing, but the multi compontents to it. The contested work, the repeat effort, the clean pick, up and then the touch by foot to not overcook it.

[SonofScray]

He really is something special.

[jeemak]

I think it's because of the adulation that was afforded to Luke Hodge for doing a bunch of ordinary stuff over time, but at the right time, that I discarded the "stands up in big moments" and "inserts himself into the contest and delivers" type commentary that pervades a lot of talk around the really good players.

With Dustin Martin and now Bont I am actually coming around to it being a thing. No discredit to Hodge being a great player and great leader who won flags, but what these guys do is next level given the situations in which they do them.

Martin has the flags, I really hope Marcus can get them as well in the next six or seven years of his career.

[bornadog]

How good is this goal. Bont ducks and weaves through 4 Port players.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJqLXmCF1vs&ab_channel=Michael

[Topdog]

How good is this goal. Bont ducks and weaves through 4 Port players.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJqLXmCF1vs&ab_channel=Michael

Sensational. Also how good were the hands??? Libba with the little get out handball and Macrae sensational to split the pack

[Grantysghost]

How good is this goal. Bont ducks and weaves through 4 Port players.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJqLXmCF1vs&ab_channel=Michael

Hamish sounded dissapointed, I turn the sound down during the game so hadn't heard that before.
Pretty terrible commentary for such an outrageously good goal.
Libba the architect again.

[bornadog]

Hamish sounded dissapointed, I turn the sound down during the game so hadn't heard that before.
Pretty terrible commentary for such an outrageously good goal.
Libba the architect again.

Should be goal of the round

[merantau]

His trajectory is on the rise. He is playing the best football of his career at the moment.

[Happy Days]

Best damn player in the world.

[Sedat]

Hamish sounded dissapointed, I turn the sound down during the game so hadn't heard that before.
Pretty terrible commentary for such an outrageously good goal.
Libba the architect again.
Just a standard miserable night at the office by farken ch 7.

Bont's last 20 odd games have been peerless. He does it all and in all facets of the game. So impressed by his defensive 50 work last night - he really helped out deep and was pivotal in a number of D50 chains.

[whythelongface]

Just a standard miserable night at the office by farken ch 7.

Bont's last 20 odd games have been peerless. He does it all and in all facets of the game. So impressed by his defensive 50 work last night - he really helped out deep and was pivotal in a number of D50 chains.

Sometimes his defensive work goes unnoticed (probably not by us on here). Last night in the final qtr he was huge and was able to spoil a couple of Ports forward entries.

[comrade]

Just a standard miserable night at the office by farken ch 7.

Bont's last 20 odd games have been peerless. He does it all and in all facets of the game. So impressed by his defensive 50 work last night - he really helped out deep and was pivotal in a number of D50 chains.

He's in rarefied air at the moment.

[1eyedog]

He's gone next level and is really nudging Martin as the best in the comp.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Hamish sounded dissapointed, I turn the sound down during the game so hadn't heard that before.
Pretty terrible commentary for such an outrageously good goal.
Libba the architect again.

Al’s Highlights has put together a multi call here:

https://youtu.be/D5bczcgv6CI

[Ghost Dog]

Sometimes his defensive work goes unnoticed (probably not by us on here). Last night in the final qtr he was huge and was able to spoil a couple of Ports forward entries.

Yep, well noted. Great punch to the boundary, defensive marks etc.

[Ghost Dog]

I love the call at 2:12 - "They had no right to kick a goal then, ran through a phone box of players. Ken Hinkley has sip on his coke, he might need more than that" hahah

[Ghost Dog]

Just a standard miserable night at the office by farken ch 7.

Bont's last 20 odd games have been peerless. He does it all and in all facets of the game. So impressed by his defensive 50 work last night - he really helped out deep and was pivotal in a number of D50 chains.

Radio commentators are so much better. They say the score often, know the player's names and give more accurate descriptions.

[Topdog]

Yeah no surprise that the ch7 call was the worst of the bunch.

Didn't really notice the Bont smother in the lead up to the goal

[Twodogs]

How good was that?


Smother, block, give it to me, give it to me, dodge, face palm, dodge, don't argue, dodge, quick look, snap, GOAL!!!!

Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen. I'm here twice a year. Try the fish.

[Ozza]

So.....until now I'd been thinking there are too many others taking votes off Bont this year....including Macrae, who would be right up there.

But he's probably got 3 votes v

West Coast
Gold Coast
Carlton
Port (although I had Libba better....we know Bont is more noticeable).

And he probably votes v GWS.

[Twodogs]

So.....until now I'd been thinking there are too many others taking votes off Bont this year....including Macrae, who would be right up there.

But he's probably got 3 votes v

West Coast
Gold Coast
Carlton
Port (although I had Libba better....we know Bont is more noticeable).

And he probably votes v GWS.

My breakdown had him on ten votes two weeks ago, after the Richmond game. I reckon he'd be on either fifteen or sixteen now.

[EasternWest]

Tom Browne reporting just signed a four year extension.

Outstanding result.

We should probably start a contract thread.

[DOG GOD]

Tom Browne reporting just signed a four year extension.

Outstanding result.

We should probably start a contract thread.

Awesome, at possibly 1 million a year

[Grantysghost]

Awesome, at possibly 1 million a year

Bargain! Plus all the Punvec he can drink.... (it's a drink right?).

We are willing to offer you all the Punvec you can drink, and....

https://media.giphy.com/media/PIdQHmZxdv6a2L8F4y/giphy.gif

[bornadog]

Tom Browne reporting just signed a four year extension.

Outstanding result.

We should probably start a contract thread.

Contract Thread ahead of you :o

[EasternWest]

Contract Thread ahead of you :o

Maybe we should sticky it so everyone knows about it.

I resent the implication that the great and glorious second coming doesn't warrant discussion about him alone.

For shame.

[divvydan]

https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/944954

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/ad_img/1397085024982167552/UOqftFbP?format=png&name=900x900

[EasternWest]

https://pbs.twimg.com/ad_img/1397085024982167552/UOqftFbP?format=png&name=900x900

Let today be henceforth known as St Bontimus day.

[Grantysghost]

https://pbs.twimg.com/ad_img/1397085024982167552/UOqftFbP?format=png&name=900x900

Is it ok if this made me cry? :cool:

[Eastdog]

Great news! He would have to be one of the best players not only for us but in the whole competition.

[EasternWest]

Is it ok if this made me cry? :cool:

It's weird if it doesn't.

[jazzadogs]

Never in doubt, but fantastic nonetheless. He is an outstanding player and a remarkable person to have leading our playing group. I can't wait for the next four years!

[whythelongface]

Glorious. The Bont is a champ. Before his career finishes he will become the greatest Bulldog of all time and lead the team to multiple flags.

[angelopetraglia]

I’m so happy. Depressed after new COVID outbreak but now can’t wipe the smile off my face. I knew it was going to happen but to see him sign early, put pen to paper, not play games and just continue his career with us is just the absolute best.

I love you Marcus Bontempelli. I love you. I love you. I love you.

[angelopetraglia]

p.s. I love Marcus Bontempelli

[Grantysghost]

It's weird if it doesn't.

https://media.giphy.com/media/I3EsiEPZWgpqg/giphy.gif

[HOSE B ROMERO]

One Bontempelli.... There's only one Bontempelli...

[The bulldog tragician]

Happy tears. He’s a joy to watch, a model citizen, and his talent is such that it would be criminal if we don’t jag another premiership while he is in his prime.

[macca]

Bonts is a champion. Fantastic news. We are so fortunate to have picked him up. He leads and inspires those around him. You can see the players will go to battle for him. Just awesome respect.

[bornadog]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8w5nAMo5fg

[AshMac]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8w5nAMo5fg


Just when you think you can’t love him anymore..... you watch something like this and realise why Bevo goes on an 8 minute tangent about how good a person he is every time he’s asked about Bont.

His articulation of his impact on games right now is the stuff of real leadership.

Go Bont!

[kruder]

How lucky we are...

[bulldogsthru&thru]

The gift that keeps on giving. Thank you St Kilda, again, for not taking him. He will be one of the greatest to ever play the game and an upstanding citizen to boot. We are very fortunate to have him leading our club. I need to remind myself how lucky it is to watch him play for us.

[Dancin' Douggy]

I have thought long and hard about this. He is the best player in my lifetime of watching the Dogs. Chris Grant second.
Bont plays on a whole higher level to anyone else. There are many incredible human beings who play this game, but Bont plays like a god.

[1eyedog]

Yeah he's better than any Bulldog I have seen.

[comrade]

Yeah he's better than any Bulldog I have seen.

I think he's reached the point where he knows exactly where he stands now, has accepted it and is doing what it takes to make the most of his ability. He's become a colossus, a player the opposition fans despair when he is anywhere near the ball.

[Grantysghost]

I have thought long and hard about this. He is the best player in my lifetime of watching the Dogs. Chris Grant second.
Bont plays on a whole higher level to anyone else. There are many incredible human beings who play this game, but Bont plays like a god.

I can't concede the Grant dilemma.

Grant played CHB, CHF. The hardest positions in AFL. Yes we laud mids but it's a complete misrepresentation.

Grant is the best ever. Hawkins is the second best.(I've seen)

Marcus is going to match both of them, but he hasn't passed them yet.

[MrMahatma]

Thank you, Marcus. Thank you!

[ratsmac]

The Bont! I never feared he wouldn't sign, he's Bulldog through and through

[Twodogs]

I have thought long and hard about this. He is the best player in my lifetime of watching the Dogs. Chris Grant second.
Bont plays on a whole higher level to anyone else. There are many incredible human beings who play this game, but Bont plays like a god.

Templeton is second for mine. Although nobody dominated a season like KT did in 1980 Bont is a premiership b&f and put us in front in a preliminary final. When I saw it was him that JJ had kicked it front of in that game there was no other player in our history I would have trusted to kick that goal.

[Grantysghost]

Templeton is second for mine. Although nobody dominated a season like KT did in 1980 Bont is a premiership b&f and put us in front in a preliminary final. When I saw it was him that JJ had kicked it front of in that game there was no other player in our history I would have trusted to kick that goal.

Where does the Hawk rate TD? I was at the G in 86 when he did his knee it was like a wake afterwards.
He was Bont level revered. Never seen a more gifted footballer.

[KT31]

Absolutely wrapped; this is as great as Grant knocking the offers back in 96.

[angelopetraglia]

Too early for comparisons of best ever Bulldog. Let's wait until his career is over. Let's just enjoy the journey while it lasts. I recall having the same thoughts about Grant or Johnson ... they are only 25 ... many years to go. Before you know it, their career is over.

Let's enjoy watching the great man go about his business for a few more years and remember that we are watching absolute greatness. It's a privilege and I want to savor every single moment.

[The Adelaide Connection]

When the dust had settled on Collingwood's calamitous trade week (and while our brethren were rejoicing in one-upping the juggernaut Pies) I couldn't help but feel like something was not quite right...

Then rumours started to spread that the Pies offload was to clear the decks for a super big name, that they had already teed up, with Petracca and the Bont two names that had been thrown about.

Collingwood stealing Bont (with our unknowing help) is exactly the sort of spongier floor coup that made sense to the cynicism and hopelessness that was cultivated in me from growing up a Centrals, Fitzroy and Footscray fan.

People say that they knew it'd get done. Not me. I was preparing for the worst (losing him over a Ward $20k or one year too short).

Backflips. So good.

[FrediKanoute]

Too early for comparisons of best ever Bulldog. Let's wait until his career is over. Let's just enjoy the journey while it lasts. I recall having the same thoughts about Grant or Johnson ... they are only 25 ... many years to go. Before you know it, their career is over.

Let's enjoy watching the great man go about his business for a few more years and remember that we are watching absolute greatness. It's a privilege and I want to savor every single moment.

Completely agree. Have been blessed to watch many great bulldogs, Hardie, Beasley, Royal, Wallis, The Hawk, Grant, McGuinness, Jonno, Smith, West, Darcy, Wynd, Libba Snr, Murphy......The Bont is right up there in the top echelon of BullGods.

[Bulldog4life]

What wonderful news. Bont now in his prime. Well done Sammy Power too. Marcus you are a superstar.

[Ghost Dog]

25 years old and lots of entertaining games ahead. What a joy.

[comrade]

He has been a transformational player for our club. Not only has he helped us become competitive through his own performances, he has no doubt helped us with player retention (who wants to leave the Kennel with Bont at the helm) and would be a real draw card for bringing in players from other clubs. He's also extremely marketable.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

He has been a transformational player for our club. Not only has he helped us become competitive through his own performances, he has no doubt helped us with player retention (who wants to leave the Kennel with Bont at the helm) and would be a real draw card for bringing in players from other clubs. He's also extremely marketable.

I can think of someone.

[Ghost Dog]

I remember in his interview for the club. It was reported his answer to the question " What's something you regret?" He answered " I was rude to my sister once". Or something of that nature. ;)

[AshMac]

When the dust had settled on Collingwood's calamitous trade week (and while our brethren were rejoicing in one-upping the juggernaut Pies) I couldn't help but feel like something was not quite right...

Then rumours started to spread that the Pies offload was to clear the decks for a super big name, that they had already teed up, with Petracca and the Bont two names that had been thrown about.

Collingwood stealing Bont (with our unknowing help) is exactly the sort of spongier floor coup that made sense to the cynicism and hopelessness that was cultivated in me from growing up a Centrals, Fitzroy and Footscray fan.

People say that they knew it'd get done. Not me. I was preparing for the worst (losing him over a Ward $20k or one year too short).

Backflips. So good.

I feel you on the conditioned perceived deprecation as a dogs fan. A lot of years of almost nearly.

Done a fair bit of thinking about Ward..... was filthy he left for $50k in contract value but if he didn’t leave we wouldn’t have jack macrae. Given the way the chips fell over those years and what’s ahead, we win.

Now....Melbourne getting 2 priority picks for Scully whilst we got one for a 6 year captain; I’m not over that.

[Axe Man]

When the dust had settled on Collingwood's calamitous trade week (and while our brethren were rejoicing in one-upping the juggernaut Pies) I couldn't help but feel like something was not quite right...

Then rumours started to spread that the Pies offload was to clear the decks for a super big name, that they had already teed up, with Petracca and the Bont two names that had been thrown about.

Collingwood stealing Bont (with our unknowing help) is exactly the sort of spongier floor coup that made sense to the cynicism and hopelessness that was cultivated in me from growing up a Centrals, Fitzroy and Footscray fan.

People say that they knew it'd get done. Not me. I was preparing for the worst (losing him over a Ward $20k or one year too short).

Backflips. So good.

I certainly have nagging doubts about winning games against poor sides or when we are in a position we are very unlikely to lose from, as is the lot of a Bulldog supporter.

However I never doubted for a second it was anything but a mere formality for the Bont to re-sign.

[bulldogtragic]

On 360 tonight.

[Dry Rot]

Do we know what his new contract is worth?

[Twodogs]

Where does the Hawk rate TD? I was at the G in 86 when he did his knee it was like a wake afterwards.
He was Bont level revered. Never seen a more gifted footballer.

Good question. I have Doug in my top 6 with Bont, KT, Grant, Johnson (if he'd been 5 cm taller we wouldn't be having this conversation-he would have been the best) and Libba. Sometimes that top 5 changes and players like Dempsey, West or Royal come in but the top 2 don't change.

Bont owns moments inside games. He wins contests and kicks goals that seal/win games and that's what sets him apart from every other Bulldog player I've seen. If the game is in the balance and a contest needs winning if Marcus is heading for that contest then put down the glasses the game is won. Only other teams have had that player in all the time I've been following the game and that's what makes him the best I've seen.

KT dominated games like no-one and his 1980 season was sublime. But he was fallible and made the odd mistake. He could miss easy goals or give away stupid free kicks. He got upset with teammates who weren't as talented as him and umpires. He was probably more talented than Bont but Bont is the ultimate teammate and match winner. Bont will pick a team up and carry them over he line to a win but Templeton didn't do that. Due to the position he played KT relied on others to make him great and if they let him down then he'd let them know.. Marcus does it all himself and if things aren't going his way he will make them.

Doug was as talented as any player I've seen but he probably wasn't as vigilant in his preparation as others and that is the difference between him and the truly great players. Doug would fire up in big games, his finals in 1985 were as good as I've seen. Maybe if he'd played with Essendon or Hawthorn in the mid to late '80s we would have seen an even better version of him but from a selfish POV I'm so glad we saw him play 17 of his 18 season in the tricolour. In a way i loved Doug more than I loved any other player I saw. He was a bit like the naughty, cheeky kid you let get away with stuff you wouldn't countenance from other kids.

[bulldogtragic]

Great thing to re-sign.
Wants to influence things over the time.
It was never in doubt. Didn’t want to even hear offers from his manager, if they came in. Stated didn’t know anything about other clubs.

[Jeanette54]

I guess that Marcus re-signing finally shamed me into resigning too. I know its late, but as a country resident I don't get to very many games. Thanks Marcus, looking forward to remaining officially on board again.

[bornadog]

I guess that Marcus re-signing finally shamed me into resigning too. I know its late, but as a country resident I don't get to very many games. Thanks Marcus, looking forward to remaining officially on board again.

Well done J54

[1eyedog]

Good question. I have Doug in my top 6 with Bont, KT, Grant, Johnson (if he'd been 5 cm taller we wouldn't be having this conversation-he would have been the best) and Libba. Sometimes that top 5 changes and players like Dempsey, West or Royal come in but the top 2 don't change.

Bont owns moments inside games. He wins contests and kicks goals that seal/win games and that's what sets him apart from every other Bulldog player I've seen. If the game is in the balance and a contest needs winning if Marcus is heading for that contest then put down the glasses the game is won. Only other teams have had that player in all the time I've been following the game and that's what makes him the best I've seen.

KT dominated games like no-one and his 1980 season was sublime. But he was fallible and made the odd mistake. He could miss easy goals or give away stupid free kicks. He got upset with teammates who weren't as talented as him and umpires. He was probably more talented than Bont but Bont is the ultimate teammate and match winner. Bont will pick a team up and carry them over he line to a win but Templeton didn't do that. Due to the position he played KT relied on others to make him great and if they let him down then he'd let them know.. Marcus does it all himself and if things aren't going his way he will make them.

Doug was as talented as any player I've seen but he probably wasn't as vigilant in his preparation as others and that is the difference between him and the truly great players. Doug would fire up in big games, his finals in 1985 were as good as I've seen. Maybe if he'd played with Essendon or Hawthorn in the mid to late '80s we would have seen an even better version of him but from a selfish POV I'm so glad we saw him play 17 of his 18 season in the tricolour. In a way i loved Doug more than I loved any other player I saw. He was a bit like the naughty, cheeky kid you let get away with stuff you wouldn't countenance from other kids.

I agree. Marcus can do everything all the other Bulldog greats could do but he is set apart from them by his ability to turn games in our favour more often and more consistently than any Bulldog I have seen play.

Note that I never saw EJ but many of the yester year greats who did have him comfortably in their top 5 of all time. I'm not qualified to say Bont is better than EJ and I never will be. That's for others to decide.

[Twodogs]

I agree. Marcus can do everything all the other Bulldog greats could do but he is set apart from them by his ability to turn games in our favour more often and more consistently than any Bulldog I have seen play.

Note that I never saw EJ but many of the yester year greats who did have him comfortably in their top 5 of all time. I'm not qualified to say Bont is better than EJ and I never will be. That's for others to decide.

I only saw Teddy play once, my dad took me to his last ever game, but I was lucky enough to have him kick the footy to me one time when I was a teenager. The ball came at me like a tracer bullet and nearly knocked me off my feet!

[1eyedog]

I only saw Teddy play once, my dad took me to his last ever game, but I was lucky enough to have him kick the footy to me one time when I was a teenager. The ball came at me like a tracer bullet and nearly knocked me off my feet!

No half step nonsense for Teddy!

[macca]

The gift that keeps on giving. Thank you St Kilda, again, for not taking him. He will be one of the greatest to ever play the game and an upstanding citizen to boot. We are very fortunate to have him leading our club. I need to remind myself how lucky it is to watch him play for us.

Did you see any of the Saints players going into battle for billings ? (rhetorical question, can't stop laughing)

watched the video again
0.43 : "like short term deals.. keep me hungry on my toes"
1.38 " Matty Boyd, Murphy, Morris inspired me and help others along the way"
1.58 Great pic of Bevo and Bonts embracing the moment
2.07 " bevo strikes balance of coach vs friend ... progress together and make most of time we have together"
2.50 " so many Names , we are sum of all parts, we all benefitting from the growth of careers of these players"

Optimus prime like speech.

Can see why he inspires his players, will go into battle for him any time.

[Grantysghost]

We talk about Billings, but we forget the other joyous part of that draft. GWS had 1 and 2. (Boyd, Kelly).

[1eyedog]

We talk about Billings, but we forget the other joyous part of that draft. GWS had 1 and 2. (Boyd, Kelly).

They made the right choice with Boyd and the rest is history.

[Mofra]

We talk about Billings, but we forget the other joyous part of that draft. GWS had 1 and 2. (Boyd, Kelly).
There was talk on Bulldog forums of trading up from 4 to 1 to get Boyd. He was that highly rated - kicked 4 in a quarter on Aliir Aliir IIRC.
Bont was a fair bolter late in the season

[Grantysghost]

They made the right choice with Boyd and the rest is history.

It was a master stroke.

[Grantysghost]

There was talk on Bulldog forums of trading up from 4 to 1 to get Boyd. He was that highly rated - kicked 4 in a quarter on Aliir Aliir IIRC.
Bont was a fair bolter late in the season

Bont was the surprise really wasn’t he, the rest were touted for ages.

I think a bit of revisionist history license is warranted because of the teams involved :cool:

[bulldogsthru&thru]

As much as I despise GWS and St Kilda, we’ve ultimately really had the much better end of the stick with both.

[Mofra]

Bont was the surprise really wasn’t he, the rest were touted for ages.

I think a bit of revisionist history license is warranted because of the teams involved :cool:
All the talk seemed to be a choice between Aish (seen as a safe bet because he was playign well in the SANFL seniors) and Scharenberg who was more of a high-ceiling type.

I suspect the Cale Morton experience - knowing Dalrymple was a number cruncher prior to recruiting and that a high UC % number we now know has translated into kids underperforming at AFL level relative to draft position - meant that Aish probably wasn't that high on our draft board going into draft night.

Weirdly I don't think we were ever linked to Kolo who the Suns were keen on and took with pick 5.

[Mofra]

As much as I despise GWS and St Kilda, we’ve ultimately really had the much better end of the stick with both.
Billings ahead of Bont and Clark/Coffield ahead of Naughton must burn as much as Paddy McC ahead of Petracca.

We did give GWS Ward though who has been incredible for them. Super player.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Billings ahead of Bont and Clark/Coffield ahead of Naughton must burn as much as Paddy McC ahead of Petracca.

We did give GWS Ward though who has been incredible for them. Super player.

That certainly hurt. But I’d much prefer Macrae and the subsequent events of them poaching Griffen.

[jeemak]

I only saw Teddy play once, my dad took me to his last ever game, but I was lucky enough to have him kick the footy to me one time when I was a teenager. The ball came at me like a tracer bullet and nearly knocked me off my feet!

I find that hard to believe, given your burley frame.

[Twodogs]

I find that hard to believe, given your burley frame.

Not to mention my superb balance.

[Grantysghost]

Tom Hawkins’ daughter can’t be without her Bont doll. Nice story :

Link to article (https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/daughters-adorable-ultimate-betrayal-of-geelong-star-tom-hawkins/news-story/32d2deaff0e8f7b7ff5823c8b932fcc1)

[EasternWest]

Tom Hawkins’ daughter can’t be without her Bont doll. Nice story :

Link to article (https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/daughters-adorable-ultimate-betrayal-of-geelong-star-tom-hawkins/news-story/32d2deaff0e8f7b7ff5823c8b932fcc1)

Pretty damn wholesome.

How's this hard hitting piece of investigative journalism: "Hawkins was very public in his admissions last year that he found it “tough” to be away from his family for half the season."

Man misses family. More news at 11.

[bulldogtragic]

So. Does he win the Brownlow this year? He’s kicked more goals than any other midfielder. Over 27 disposals with heaps of clearances, goal assists and key numbers. Plus some weaker opponents to hopefully beat up on.

So this year is it, Charlie Bontempelli?

[bornadog]

Yes, he must be leading the count right now.

[comrade]

So. Does he win the Brownlow this year? He’s kicked more goals than any other midfielder. Over 27 disposals with heaps of clearances, goal assists and key numbers. Plus some weaker opponents to hopefully beat up on.

So this year is it, Charlie Bontempelli?

It's his to lose right now. It's pretty clear he's the best player going around and he's always caught the eye of the umpires.

[Happy Days]

Ever since Matt Priddis won the Brownlow the AFL has convened at about the bye rounds to decide who they want to win the Brownlow with ~35 votes as to avoid the embarrassment of a Matt Priddis-type winning the Brownlow ever again. Seriously, even if COVID didn't kill the AFL then Jarryd Lyons winning the Brownlow just might.

Anyway, Bont's been annointed this year. Lock it in.

[Ozza]

Clear favourite now (ranging from $2.75-$2.88 fav).

Polls votes against;

- West Coast (2 or 3)
- Gold Coast (3)
- Carlton
- GWS
- Port (3)
- St.K (3)
- Freo (3)
- Geel
- West Coast (3)

Even if he only gets 1's in the games he isn't certain 3's....and gets a 2 when he was match winner v West Coast (Macrae was big) then he is sitting on 20. 8 games to go.

[jazzadogs]

Anyone worried about Macrae? He polled 15 to Bont's 10 last year, and his disposal numbers have remained high. Hopefully one of them consistently gets the votes and wins, rather than splitting it and both finishing fifth.

[Ghost Dog]

Covid may play havoc with the rounds to go yet. Not looking good for travel at the moment.

[Sedat]

Ever since Matt Priddis won the Brownlow the AFL has convened at about the bye rounds to decide who they want to win the Brownlow with ~35 votes as to avoid the embarrassment of a Matt Priddis-type winning the Brownlow ever again. Seriously, even if COVID didn't kill the AFL then Jarryd Lyons winning the Brownlow just might.

Anyway, Bont's been annointed this year. Lock it in.
Friendly reminder that Lewis Taylor beat Bont for the Rising Star lol

[SquirrelGrip]

More importantly, who is he going to take as his date this year?

[Scraggers]

Friendly reminder that Lewis Taylor beat Bont for the Rising Star lol

Who?

[bulldogtragic]

More importantly, who is he going to take as his date this year?

I’m available Marcus.

[EasternWest]

More importantly, who is he going to take as his date this year?

Me.


I’m available Marcus.

He's mine, moll.

[bulldogtragic]

Bontempelli now holds a five-vote lead over Clayton Oliver in the AFLCA Voting.

[The bulldog tragician]

Macrae and Bont in the first ever tie from players of the same club?

Marcus gets the threes, Jackson gets a two or one in most games…. It would be fun wouldn’t it.

[merantau]

I can safely guarantee one thing about all this Brownlow talk. It's not front and centre in Bont's thinking. He has more important things on his mind.

[westdog54]

Has anyone ever done the Brownlow/Goal of the Year double?

[macca]

Has anyone ever done the Brownlow/Goal of the Year double?

Would the odds to place on a bet like that would be a long shot ?

[westdog54]

After Sunday, probably not.

I've watched that replay over and over again and I still can't work out how the *!*!*!*! he kicked that goal.

[bulldogtragic]

After Sunday, probably not.

I've watched that replay over and over again and I still can't work out how the *!*!*!*! he kicked that goal.

Yep. Defies everything in the circumstances. I’ve been thinking if he took 10 shots like that at training how many he would kick. I’d say better than half. More class than arse our Bonts.

[Happy Days]

I personally way prefer those goals to the five running bounce types. Freakish and a bit flukish all day.

[ratsmac]

Als Video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fYEaHpYPDA&ab_channel=ALsHighlights

It's hard to tell wearing his mask but Bevo looked unimpressed with that goal. Maybe hes thinking he should've dished it off or gone the dribble kick:) If Bevo is ying then Chris Scott is yang!

Just when you think The Bont can't get any better he goes and does that!

[Mofra]

It's hard to tell wearing his mask but Bevo looked unimpressed with that goal. Maybe hes thinking he should've dished it off or gone the dribble kick:) If Bevo is ying then Chris Scott is yang!

Just when you think The Bont can't get any better he goes and does that!
Bevo: Meh, we call those "Tuesdays"

[Twodogs]

Has anyone ever done the Brownlow/Goal of the Year double?

Somebody asked Swamp that on Twitter on Sunday night and the answer was no.

[westdog54]

It's hard to tell wearing his mask but Bevo looked unimpressed with that goal. Maybe hes thinking he should've dished it off or gone the dribble kick:) If Bevo is ying then Chris Scott is yang!

Just when you think The Bont can't get any better he goes and does that!

I'm thinking it was stunned disbelief more so than indifference.

[Grantysghost]

Is this the most iconic celebration in the AFL right now?

It's just so emblematic of the guy : cool, calm, in control and emphatically humble.

https://i.postimg.cc/rpmLxwRQ/https-prod-static9-net-jpeg.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[comrade]

Is this the most iconic celebration in the AFL right now?

It's just so emblematic of the guy : cool, calm, in control and emphatically humble.

https://i.postimg.cc/rpmLxwRQ/https-prod-static9-net-jpeg.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Damn, he is just a monster. Looks like a man playing against boys at times.

[Axe Man]

AFL website Brownlow predictor has Bont on 23, 1 ahead of Oliver. Macrae is on 12.

Link (https://www.afl.com.au/brownlow-medal/predictor?web-promo=&page=1&player_type=all&club=0&ShowBettingOdds=1)

[Mitcha]

It's hard to tell wearing his mask but Bevo looked unimpressed with that goal. Maybe hes thinking he should've dished it off or gone the dribble kick:) If Bevo is ying then Chris Scott is yang!

Just when you think The Bont can't get any better he goes and does that!
The best response definitely belongs to Mitch Wallis. He looks on in disbelief and when the camera cuts to the boundary angle you can see Mitch had the straight line view, sheer amazement.

[EasternWest]

Als Video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fYEaHpYPDA&ab_channel=ALsHighlights

I love this guy.

[Bulldog4life]

I love this guy.

Trollop.

[EasternWest]

Trollop.

I'm a fool for Bont, what can I say?

[bornadog]

I love this guy.

You should consider a new avatar with The Bont :D

[EasternWest]

You should consider a new avatar with The Bont :D

I don't love him more than Dylan.

[SonofScray]

That goal really was the stuff of legends. Hit it full tilt, put distance between himself and Shuey, then covered the 4 blokes in pole position. Clean take, smooth kick on the goal.

I've run out of words to describe him with, it is simply a joy to see him play. Especially so when he looks loose and comfortable.

[Mantis]

Als Video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fYEaHpYPDA&ab_channel=ALsHighlights

What a letdown that it wasn’t Dennis’s turn on the Triple M call.. that moment deserved a ‘Comettism’.

What a goal!

[comrade]

What a letdown that it wasn’t Dennis’s turn on the Triple M call.. that moment deserved a ‘Comettism’.

What a goal!

The pace he hit the ball at was amazing. Absolutely motoring and it was deep into the 4th quarter. He's a beast.

[azabob]

Not sure is NRIS is a local WA radio station but clearly by that stage they had given up calling the game and complaining how bad the Eagles were!

Good to hear Tim Gossage get up and about with the call.

[Mantis]

The pace he hit the ball at was amazing. Absolutely motoring and it was deep into the 4th quarter. He's a beast.

As soon as he realizes the ball is going over the top of the contest to drop the hammer and in doing so leaves Shuey in his wake and the rest is history.

His running power is so under-rated... 6'4" and moves like that... FMD!

[bornadog]

As soon as he realizes the ball is going over the top of the contest to drop the hammer and in doing so leaves Shuey in his wake and the rest is history.

His running power is so under-rated... 6'4" and moves like that... FMD!

A few weeks ago Adz was asked about Bont and his captaincy etc. He mentioned how fast Bont can cover the ground. Adz said, he may look big and a bit slow, but he is actually moving faster than you think.

[Bulldog Joe]

A few weeks ago Adz was asked about Bont and his captaincy etc. He mentioned how fast Bont can cover the ground. Adz said, he may look big and a bit slow, but he is actually moving faster than you think.

This is something he has really worked on.

A couple of years ago I was at a function and asked him directly about his improved speed, as he had looked much slower in his first 2 or 3 years.

His response was that he had recognised that himself and had done specific training to improve that part of his game.

Highlights that he does everything he can to be the best he can.

[Topdog]

Good to hear Tim Gossage get up and about with the call.

He loves the Bont.


Always admired Marcus Bontempelli but watching his brutal best on ground performance for @westernbulldogs yesterday was a joy.
Leader, strong, classy, organised and humble. Brownlow medal right there.

https://twitter.com/TimGossage/status/1409315241314250754?s=19

[1eyedog]

This is something he has really worked on.

A couple of years ago I was at a function and asked him directly about his improved speed, as he had looked much slower in his first 2 or 3 years.

His response was that he had recognised that himself and had done specific training to improve that part of his game.

Highlights that he does everything he can to be the best he can.

I asked the same thing at an appearance he made with Houli at Rebel a few months ago. He said he really progressed his training in this area during his time training in the US. Mentioned he had discussed this specifically with running backs and coaches in the NFL as well and said that developing his core (upper legs / glutes), was a key part of his training but also his upper body strength, said it had given him an extra yard.

I introduced myself and said I'm a member and there is no doubt I got extra time with him because of it. Lots of other people trying to meet him but he was focused on our discussion for what felt like minutes. Kid in a lolly shop. I also cheekily asked Houli who was better, Bont or Dusty and Houli said different players, it's like comparing a 100m runner or burst player with a 800m player or endurance player. Both great. It was a good response.

As an aside I went into a $5 raffle that day and won a signed Bontempelli 'wings' framed picture. It was a great day out.

[EasternWest]

I asked the same thing at an appearance he made with Houli at Rebel a few months ago. He said he really progressed his training in this area during his time training in the US. Mentioned he had discussed this specifically with running backs and coaches in the NFL as well and said that developing his core (upper legs / glutes), was a key part of his training but also his upper body strength, said it had given him an extra yard.

I introduced myself and said I'm a member and there is no doubt I got extra time with him because of it. Lots of other people trying to meet him but he was focused on our discussion for what felt like minutes.

Stupid, sexy Bontempelli.

[1eyedog]

Stupid, sexy Bontempelli.

I know he got me at glutes as well.

[bornadog]

Stupid, sexy Bontempelli.

https://media3.giphy.com/media/RNae2BujC46ClOh3JM/giphy.gif

[Topdog]

What a letdown that it wasn’t Dennis’s turn on the Triple M call.. that moment deserved a ‘Comettism’.

What a goal!

I actually quite liked the noises he made because he couldn't believe it was kicked.

[comrade]

As an aside, I love reading through the first 10 pages of this thread whenever it pops up over the years!

[Go_Dogs]

As an aside, I love reading through the first 10 pages of this thread whenever it pops up over the years!

Lol. Just had a look. My post was quite well balanced… until the part where I referenced Billings, Scharenberg et al. Do’h!

[bulldogtragic]

Lol. Just had a look. My post was quite well balanced… until the part where I referenced Billings, Scharenberg et al. Do’h!

I’m still enjoying being the number one backer….

[The Bulldogs Bite]

As an aside, I love reading through the first 10 pages of this thread whenever it pops up over the years!

After I read this, I was concerned I'd made an absolute prawn out of myself so I went back and read the first 15 pages ... fortunately they were pretty level!

[1eyedog]

After I read this, I was concerned I'd made an absolute prawn out of myself so I went back and read the first 15 pages ... fortunately they were pretty level!

You were very measured. I was carrying on like a Pork Chop. I was younger and full of early 40s angst back then. I'm much more measured these days.

[jeemak]

As an aside, I love reading through the first 10 pages of this thread whenever it pops up over the years!


Lol. Just had a look. My post was quite well balanced… until the part where I referenced Billings, Scharenberg et al. Do’h!


I’m still enjoying being the number one backer….


After I read this, I was concerned I'd made an absolute prawn out of myself so I went back and read the first 15 pages ... fortunately they were pretty level!


You were very measured. I was carrying on like a Pork Chop. I was younger and full of early 40s angst back then. I'm much more measured these days.

Sad to see some quality posters not on the forum, but also awesome to see so many left like you legends and Josie etc.

I still think we should have taken Billings, but I'm bloody glad we didn't!

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Sad to see some quality posters not on the forum, but also awesome to see so many left like you legends and Josie etc.

I still think we should have taken Billings, but I'm bloody glad we didn't!

The years fly by pretty quickly.

Hard to believe Bont has been on our list for 8 years!

[bornadog]

The years fly by pretty quickly.

Hard to believe Bont has been on our list for 8 years!

Lucky he is still only 25, and we can enjoy more of his career.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

You were very measured. I was carrying on like a Pork Chop. I was younger and full of early 40s angst back then. I'm much more measured these days.

ahhh...those heady early 40's days...... how I long for them now I'm in my grisly and cynical late 40's....

[mjp]

I'm not going back to read but I can tell you I was 100% in the "DO NOT DRAFT" camp.

I was as heavily involved in the 18's champs that year as anyone in Australia and he was number 127 of the players wearing a Metro jumper who I was:
1/. Concerned about.
2/. Impressed by.

Soft. Slow. Outside. Say it what you will. I was informed later by someone who was 'involved' in recruiting him that the improvement he showed post carnival was 'meteroic' and his ability to gather the ball at pace under pressure was better than anyone he had EVER seen...I didn't believe it. I couldn't believe we drafted him.

[comrade]

I'm not going back to read but I can tell you I was 100% in the "DO NOT DRAFT" camp.

I was as heavily involved in the 18's champs that year as anyone in Australia and he was number 127 of the players wearing a Metro jumper who I was:
1/. Concerned about.
2/. Impressed by.

Soft. Slow. Outside. Say it what you will. I was informed later by someone who was 'involved' in recruiting him that the improvement he showed post carnival was 'meteroic' and his ability to gather the ball at pace under pressure was better than anyone he had EVER seen...I didn't believe it. I couldn't believe we drafted him.

It's pretty amazing that a kid can improve that much, that quickly.

[Bulldog Joe]

It's pretty amazing that a kid can improve that much, that quickly.

But it is what kids actually do.

16 - 19 year old boys go through huge physical development, often in a very short time frame individually.

It seemed that Dalrymple really favoured those kids and often we were drafting the younger of those eligible.

Bont, Naughton, Bailey Smith all fit that category plus Bailey Williams, JJ and also Lewis Young

[Topdog]

It worries me that we used pick 4 on someone we rate as a development player. Hoping that he makes us look smart in 10 years time.

This was my only early post. I didn't watch any U18's so couldn't comment on him as a player.

I guess you could say he made us look smart.

[1eyedog]

The years fly by pretty quickly.

Hard to believe Bont has been on our list for 8 years!

Hard to believe many of us have been on this forum for 14-15 years!

What a bastion for sensibility this place is.

[mjp]

But it is what kids actually do.

16 - 19 year old boys go through huge physical development, often in a very short time frame individually.

It seemed that Dalrymple really favoured those kids and often we were drafting the younger of those eligible.

Bont, Naughton, Bailey Smith all fit that category plus Bailey Williams, JJ and also Lewis Young

He placed a LOT of focus on the way players demonstrated what they learned at the champs when they returned to the 18's in late July and how they improved at the end of the year.

Believed that whilst the step-up in pressure/intensity didn't always IMMEDIATELY lead to improvement, the 'very best' kids would absorb the lessons and apply them...

[Mofra]

It's pretty amazing that a kid can improve that much, that quickly.
Clayton Oliver didn't even make the squad for champs but improved so much in the back half of the year he went at pick 4.
Going back further, Callan Ward came from nowhere and was drafted on his rate of improvement.

It looks like Sam Darcy is following that trend, although one draft watcher still thinks he projects best as a KPD at AFL level as he just doesn't quite get separation that other KPFs do.

[comrade]

Clayton Oliver didn't even make the squad for champs but improved so much in the back half of the year he went at pick 4.
Going back further, Callan Ward came from nowhere and was drafted on his rate of improvement.

It looks like Sam Darcy is following that trend, although one draft watcher still thinks he projects best as a KPD at AFL level as he just doesn't quite get separation that other KPFs do.

Yeah, it can happen but very, very rare to the extent Bont exploded and then went on with it. I would love to have seen the reaction if you told mjp after the champs that Bont may actually go down as the greatest Bulldog EVER.

[Ozza]

I think I've mentioned this before - but in 2014 I was at a Presidents dinner where an injured Matthew Boyd was being interviewed and described Bont as the 'most talented player he has seen walk into the club'. I think Bont may have only played 2-3 games at the time and it was definitely before the Melbourne match winner game.

[Mofra]

I think I've mentioned this before - but in 2014 I was at a Presidents dinner where an injured Matthew Boyd was being interviewed and described Bont as the 'most talented player he has seen walk into the club'. I think Bont may have only played 2-3 games at the time and it was definitely before the Melbourne match winner game.
McCarthy was very effusive about Macrae being an absolute gun from day dot - but was pretty much on the 'Bont will be better' bandwagon as soon as Marcus walked into the club.

[Twodogs]

I think I've mentioned this before - but in 2014 I was at a Presidents dinner where an injured Matthew Boyd was being interviewed and described Bont as the 'most talented player he has seen walk into the club'. I think Bont may have only played 2-3 games at the time and it was definitely before the Melbourne match winner game.

I was at that dinner and remember him saying that.

[AshMac]

But it is what kids actually do.

16 - 19 year old boys go through huge physical development, often in a very short time frame individually.

It seemed that Dalrymple really favoured those kids and often we were drafting the younger of those eligible.

Bont, Naughton, Bailey Smith all fit that category plus Bailey Williams, JJ and also Lewis Young


I used to walk into work and regularly pass Brendan Mccartney. I'd wear dogs tops and eventually said hi, thanked him for his contribution. We spoke pretty regularly for a few months and I would ask everything i could about the inner sanctum. He certainly wasnt shy sharing his views on players and in particular Peter Gordon.

Anyway - Bont came up one day and he told me that Dalrymple was resolute on Aish; BMac had to put his foot down and force Bont through. Said when he went out to watch him play juniors he was the best player he'd seen "since watching Gaz as a junior with Bomber Thompson"

Least that's the way he told it. twice.

[Happy Days]

Anyway - Bont came up one day and he told me that Dalrymple was resolute on Aish; BMac had to put his foot down and force Bont through. Said when he went out to watch him play juniors he was the best player he'd seen "since watching Gaz as a junior with Bomber Thompson"

Least that's the way he told it. twice.

Lmao of course he was.

I don’t doubt that he told you this. I just doubt that it, you know, happened.