AFL 2022: Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli over injury issues

There’s one player the Western Bulldogs need fit and firing to help them produce another finals miracle.

Marcus Bontempelli has allayed injury fears. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli says the adductor injury that hampered him in recent weeks “wasn’t as bad” as made out and he’ll be at close to full capacity for next week’s elimination final against Fremantle.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has been laying a case for Bontempelli being not at his all-conquering best in recent weeks, declaring his captain has been troubled by “a niggle or two”.

The coach and his star player met with medical boss Chris Bell earlier this month to plot a course towards September that included Bontempelli playing the last two rounds of the home-and-away season.

The pre-finals bye, which has been maligned by fans, has also worked in Bontempelli‘s favour, giving him the chance to take a break from training to ensure he’ll be primed for next weekend’s clash with Fremantle at Optus Stadium as the Bulldogs again look to pull off a miracle run from outside the top four.

“It wasn‘t as bad as what was put out … it was more of an overload result from a corkie the previous week,” Bontempelli said on Friday.

“He (Beveridge) was correct in the fact that we had a bit of a sit down and a chat about it.

“I know where my body’s at, so it was a good discussion around it, but I’m feeling pretty good and I’m definitely over the adductor stuff now, which is good.

Marcus Bontempelli will be fit and firing for the finals. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

“I’ve found, like every year, you’re dealing with different things and probably everyone is across the league at this point.

“The pre-finals bye does present that opportunity to freshen your mind and your body up and get set to go for another finals series.”

The Bulldogs made the grand final last season after finishing fifth, and famously won the 2016 premiership after finishing seventh, an indication they can overcome the disadvantage of every final being an elimination game.

But while Bontempelli will play against Fremantle, teammate Jason Johannisen faces a race against time to be passed fit having missed the last three rounds of the home-and-away season with an ankle issue.

Outside of Johannisen, however, the Bulldogs are close to full strength for their finals campaign.

“He‘s tracking well and I think he has one or two speed-based parameters to tick off, but the good thing is we’ve got the time for that,” Bontempelli said of Johannisen.

“I think he‘ll definitely be in the window to hopefully play.

“He‘s an experienced player, so it just adds that layer of maturity and he’s a pretty dynamic player.”