Marcus Bontempelli the standout name in AFLPA 22 Under-22 squad

FOR the third straight year, Marcus Bontempelli has been selected in the AFLPA’s Under-22 squad. Sam Landsberger picks his final 22. Did he get it right?

Western Bulldogs young gun Marcus Bontempelli. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

IT all feels natural to Marcus Bontempelli.

When the Western Bulldogs’ newest superstar glides around grounds unflustered, time seems to slow and smart decisions with the footy are constantly made.

Former champions across the country continue to marvel at Bontempelli’s rapid development, with Chris Judd the latest to declare him the game’s next poster boy.

Leigh Matthews sees shades of Anthony Koutoufides.

But how does the man himself feel as he breaks tags, busts games open and absorbs a swelling amount of rich praise?

“It’s hard to describe to be honest,” he said.

“It’s a natural game, it’s an instinctual game, so I think a lot of it is just a build up over the years I have played footy,” Bontempelli said.

“I don’t think I go out there with any certain style of play.

“I just try to do things naturally and as they come and I think that’s the easiest thing to do as a footballer.”

“You go in with plans in your mind that you sort out throughout the week to face opposition teams, but at the end of the day it shouldn’t hinder your natural ability.

“That’s what Bevo (coach Luke Beveridge) has spoken large amounts about since he has come to the club.

“We have this focus of no shackles and just a creative ­environment, which has help­ed us get to where we are in a quicker amount of time.

“We’ve been able to play naturally and learn as we go.”

Bontempelli was the standout name among the 50-man AFL Players’ Association’s 22 Under-22 squad.

Four of Bontempelli’s teammates were selected, while ­Adelaide led the charge with seven.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S UNDER-22 TEAM. DID HE GET IT RIGHT? HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW AND PICK YOUR SIDE AT www.22under22.com.au

Sam Landsberger’s team.

North Melbourne was overlooked while stragglers Fremantle and Brisbane Lions produced just one each.

Bontempelli has been selected in the team in all three of his AFL seasons and will be eligible the next two.

He said the honour was just as meaningful now as in 2014, because of the selectors — the AFLPA board members led by Matthew Pavlich.

The final 22 will be voted on by the fans, and Bontempelli listed Carlton’s Patrick Cripps, Melbourne’s Jack Viney and Essendon’s Zach Merrett as his standouts.

Bontempelli and hot Brownlow favourite Patrick Dangerfield are the only players in the competition to average more than 24 disposals and a goal per game, while the young Dog wins more than half his disposals in the forward half.

But he said he was still ­focused on the learning stage of his career.

“I probably did come from a little while back at the end of my draft year,” he said.

“I was a bit of a late bloomer, I found my confidence later in that draft year and it’s carried through to the Bulldogs.”

As for dealing with the hype, Bontempelli said he knew no other way.

“It’s probably a temperament,” he said.

“I’ve probably been raised that way, to be honest. I’m very grateful for the support from my family — mum and dad and the girls — who have been there every step of the way.”

The AFLPA’s under-22 squad.