Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli happy to team up with rival Toby Greene for Victoria in bushfire charity match
Marcus Bontempelli has declared the “past is the past” as he prepares for the possibility of teaming with GWS antagonist Toby Greene for Victoria in the AFL’s bushfire charity match.
Bulldogs
Don't miss out on the headlines from Bulldogs. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Marcus Bontempelli says he would have no qualms taking the field alongside serial agitator Toby Greene in the bushfire relief game despite their combative finals meeting.
The new Bulldogs captain said he could not wait to take part in the February 28 contest given its meaning for the Victorian community and its fundraising potential.
The Dogs will have their full list for selectors to choose from given amazing availability that means 42 players will be ready to play in match simulation on Wednesday.
Bontempelli will be one of the first picked for Victoria, with GWS forward Greene also in the box seat given his marketing ability and dynamic play.
Greene terrorised Bontempelli and was sent to the tribunal and then fined $7500 for serious misconduct including making contact with his face and pulling his hair.
Asked about the prospect of playing with Greene as a teammate, Bontempelli agreed it was a possibility.
“Yeah, potentially, which would be an interesting one,” he said.
“It’s a good opportunity to play with players from other teams and as current day players we look forward to opportunities like that.
“I don’t think (it would be awkward). The past is the past.”
MORE AFL NEWS:
Shoe-obsessed Matthew Suckling has no plans to give his AFL career the boot anytime soon
Collingwood recruit Bri Davey suffers leg injury in AFLW clash against West Coast
AFLW: Daisy Pearce’s return inspires Melbourne to upset win over flag favourites North Melbourne
The Dogs take on elimination finals conquerors in Round 3 of the season proper, with Bontempelli adamant the lessons had been learnt from his side’s lack of physicality that day.
“They had a strength from a physicality point of view that we didn’t at that time and there were a number of things that came out of the game, from a style point of view as well,” he said.
“I think we have over the journey we have had pretty strong games against the Giants in the past and they have been good contests. You do look forward to the key match-ups.”
The Dogs will kick on St Kilda in the Marsh Community Series on Friday February 21, with only Tom Liberatore (knee) and Taylor Duryea (groin surgery) unavailable from the Dogs best team.
Alex Keath (stress fracture) and Aaron Naughton (knee) have both been in full training long enough to be available for the full pre-season competition.
“(Keath) and Brucey came in through the trade period and fitted in seamlessly. It makes it easy,” Bontempelli said of the club’s new recruits.
“As a group you want them to feel comfortable and feel like it’s home. Keathy is now on track to play in the Marsh games which is a really good sign and good for us to be able to build some chemistry with him and Joshy (Bruce),” he said.