Western Bulldogs close to deal to lock away Marcus Bontempelli
THE Western Bulldogs are set to avoid a war for Marcus Bontempelli’s signature by locking away the young superstar on a new deal before Christmas.
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THE Western Bulldogs are set to avoid a war for Marcus Bontempelli’s signature by locking away the young superstar on a new deal before Christmas.
The Dogs have been in talks for several weeks with Bontempelli’s management and a contract could be finalised soon in what would be a huge boost for the 2017 premier.
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The Herald Sun’s Jay Clark wrote earlier this year that the Dogs had to move heaven and earth to re-sign Bontempelli before his contract expires at the end of next season — and every club in the competition makes him an offer.
“Those conversations have been ongoing between (Bulldogs list boss) Sam Power and Marcus’s manager Tom Petroro for a number of weeks,” Dogs CEO Ameet Bains told SEN on Friday.
“I think we are getting very close to getting something done.
“Marcus is an incredibly important player for the footy club, one of the best players in the comp, so it’s critical we get him locked away. We would be hopeful of getting that one done in the coming weeks.
“Regardless of what the final length will be, what Bulldog fans will be the most pleased to hear about is Marcus’s commitment to the footy club and how he talks about the future of the football club, and his role in leading it forward is exemplary.”
Bontempelli’s signature would leave GWS midfield gun Josh Kelly as the No.1 uncontracted target at the end of next season. Jack Billings, Jaeger O’Meara, Jack Watts and Nick Vlastuin will also be out of contract unless new deals are finalised before September.
Stephen Coniglio headlines a long list of 2019 free agents that also includes Todd Goldstein, David Swallow and Shane Edwards.
Bains said a new deal for Charles Sutton medallist Lachie Hunter is also in the works.
Originally published as Western Bulldogs close to deal to lock away Marcus Bontempelli
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