Western Bulldogs Captain Marcus Bontempelli Announces Father’s Passing
The Western Bulldogs Football Club and the wider AFL community are mourning alongside their esteemed captain, Marcus Bontempelli, who today announced the devastating news of his father’s passing. The beloved figure of the Bulldogs, known for his on-field brilliance and leadership, is now navigating a profound personal loss, with an outpouring of support already flooding in from all corners of the sporting world.
Bontempelli, a towering presence in the AFL, has etched his name into the annals of the game with a career defined by extraordinary achievements. A pivotal member of the 2016 Premiership team, he has also claimed an incredible six Charles Sutton Medals, including the most recent in 2024, solidifying his status as the club’s best and fairest player. His consistent excellence has earned him six All-Australian selections (2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024), a testament to his enduring impact on the competition.
Beyond individual accolades, Bontempelli’s leadership has been widely recognized. He is the current captain of the Western Bulldogs, a role he has embraced with distinction. His peers have honored him with three AFLPA MVP awards (2021, 2023, 2024) and three AFLPA Best Captain awards (2021, 2023, 2024), further highlighting his influence both on and off the field. In 2019, he was also crowned the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year.
Throughout his illustrious career, Bontempelli has often spoken about the unwavering support and guidance he received from his family, particularly his father. This deeply personal loss will undoubtedly be a challenging period for the star midfielder, and the club is committed to providing him with all the necessary support and space to grieve.
“Our hearts go out to Marcus and his entire family during this incredibly difficult time,” said Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge in a statement. “Marcus is not just an incredible footballer but an even better person. We will wrap our arms around him and ensure he has everything he needs. The club’s priority right now is to support Marcus and his family.”
The Western Bulldogs have requested privacy for Bontempelli and his family as they navigate this profound loss. Further updates will be communicated as appropriate.
