AFL 2025: Western Bulldog star Marcus Bontempelli says second flag ‘won’t define’ his career

Marcus Bontempelli says a second premiership would be special but insists it won’t shape the legacy of his career.

Western Bulldogs great Marcus Bontempelli says a second premiership “won’t define” the calibre of his career.

Bontempelli extended his stay at Whitten Oval for a further four years this week, prolonging a career that was crowned the club’s second greatest on Monday night.

The six-time All Australian and six-time best and fairest winner hasn’t tasted the ultimate success since his third-season premiership in 2016.

While it still remains his goal, Bontempelli says he won’t let it shape the narrative of his career.

“I haven’t yet but over the course over the rest of my career that is clearly something I am chasing,” Bontempelli, 29, said.

“It won’t define my career if we can’t but ultimately, I was lucky enough to be involved in the first one for a very long time in the men’s program.”

Bontempelli produced a stirring grand final performance in 2021, collecting 25 disposals and kicking three goals in a losing cause.

He notably put the Bulldogs three goals up in the third quarter before Melbourne kicked 16 of the next 17 goals.

Bontempelli says losing a grand final only whets the appetite to win another one.

“Having played in a losing one, I should say, and the heartbreak and pain that goes with that, it’s clearly what we’re all trying to achieve,” he said.

“It would make things pretty special but it won’t define this next phase of my career. It would be more about what I can either teach or pass on the younger guys.”

Marcus Bontempelli celebrates the goal that notably put the Doggies three goals up against Melbourne in the 2021 grand final. Picture: Michael Klein

The Bulldogs are in danger of missing the finals this year despite having a favourable run home.

They’ve slumped to a win behind Gold Coast, which has a game in hand, by repeatedly failing against top-eight sides.

Bontempelli says the deficiency costing Western Bulldogs in these top-eight battles is clear for “every man and his dog” to see.

“It’s clearly the defensive side of the game where we really need to tighten up. We’ve shown throughout the year we’re a capable scoring team,” he said.

“We’ve got plenty of guys, especially in the front half, who can contribute and hit the scoreboard.

“On the way back we haven’t been able to slow teams down enough and it’s been a lesson we’ve probably got on too many occasions this year.

“That’s probably where we’re focused on. I think every man and his dog knows that if you look at our team and the numbers around our game.

“It’s critical we do because it is down to that point of the season where we can’t afford to drop really any more games if we’re to give ourselves the best chance.”

Originally published as AFL 2025: Western Bulldog star Marcus Bontempelli says second flag ‘won’t define’ his career