Marcus Bontempelli leads way for Western Bulldogs in second semi-final win over Hawthorn

VIDEO: IT was the night a young Bulldog, already one of the competition’s brightest talents, further enhanced his reputation as a bona fide star of the game.

Marcus Bontempelli and Lachie Hunter celebrate a third-term goal. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

IT was the night a young Bulldog, already one of the competition’s brightest talents, further enhanced his reputation as a bona fide star of the game.

It took all 22 Bulldogs to get over Hawthorn in the second sem-final but Marcus Bontempelli’s massive influence drew rave reviews — both on social media and from some of the game’s biggest names.

His 27-disposal, two goal game oozed class and helped guide his side past a team that had not only won the past three flags, but was expected to rebound from a narrow qualifying final loss on its home ground a week earlier.

What’s more remarkable? ‘The Bont’ is still just 20 year old.

Marcus Bontempelli outmarks Luke Hodge. Picture: Michael Klein.

Wayne Carey, commentating on Channel Seven, said Bontempelli was “Koutoufides-like” — in reference to former Carlton great Anthony Koutoufides — with the manner in which he imposed himself on the game in the second term as the Bulldogs stormed back into the contest after falling 23 points behind.

But there was also two key contests in the match that fans will long remember as the young apprentice served it up to the master.

Bontempelli, the prototype for the modern-day footballer at 193cm and 91kg, roamed between the midfield and forward half throughout the night and proved a difficult match-up for the Hawks.

When in attack, that task fell to Hawthorn champ Luke Hodge but even the ageing star battled to control a rampaging Botempelli on a couple of occasions.

The Bont cut off Hodgey’s handball and found Tory Dickson. Picture: Michael Klein

In the first one-on-one the Dogs star had position and cleverly used his body to outmark Hodge before goaling late in the second term, the major putting his side right back in the contest.

The second key clash came in the final term as Bontempelli’s superb anticipation enabled him to cut off a Hodge handball, gather and find Tory Dickson.

The Bulldog drilled the goal and Luke Beveridge’s men were on their way to a preliminary final, riding a wave of momentum.

Hodge v Bontempelli. This is what the #AFLFinals are all about. pic.twitter.com/hJFJc631ar

— AFL (@AFL) September 16, 2016

The Bont... 👀🍿

— Chris Goulding (@ChrisGoulding43) September 16, 2016

Was that a footy or a baton Botompelli just took from Hodge?#AFLHawksDogs

— Richard Hinds (@rdhinds) September 16, 2016

The Difference #Bont

— Andy Maher (@AndyMaherSEN) September 16, 2016

Originally published as Marcus Bontempelli leads way for Western Bulldogs in second semi-final win over Hawthorn