Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli is having some season and he continued his brilliant form in Saturday night’s 71-86 win over GWS at Manuka Oval.
In a tight contest, Bontempelli was crucial in the win as he collected 32 disposals and kicked a goal.
On top of those statistics, his performance gets even more impressive once you look a little closer as he had 14 clearances, seven inside 50s, seven tackles and 26 contested possessions.
Kane Cornes believes the 27-year-old has been the most influential player in the AFL this season.
“Bontempelli just started on fire,” Cornes told AFL.com.au’s The Round So Far.
“The season that he is having is extraordinary.
“Nick Daicos, we’re all talking about, but I think Marcus Bontempelli has been the most influential player in the game this year.
“Hopefully the umpires, and I’m sure they are, are taking notice of this.
“14 clearances, he had 14 ground balls, 25 contested possessions.”
With Josh Dunkley now at Brisbane, Bontempelli has become the go-to player for the Bulldogs at the stoppage as he is relied upon more to win the footy for his side.
Cornes highlighted that the superstar has set new career highs in individual clearance numbers multiple times this year.
“I want to highlight Marcus Bontempelli this year,” Cornes said.
“His previous highest clearances (in a game before 2023) was 11.
“He’s done that three times already this season, career-high three times already this season.
“He had 14 tonight, 12 against Port Adelaide in Gather Round and 11 against Richmond in tricky conditions.
“The season he’s putting together is unbelievable.”
Bontempelli will hope his good form continues when the 5-3 Bulldogs face Carlton in a huge clash next Saturday at Marvel Stadium.