The Western Bulldogs have confirmed their leadership group for the 2022 season, with skipper Marcus Bontempelli to lead the red, white and blue for a third successive year.
After announcing just Bontempelli and midfielder Mitch Wallis as a two-man leadership group last year, the Bulldogs have extended their pack to five players, with Wallis stepping away from leadership duties.
His departure has seen star onballer Jack Macrae appointed as vice-captain, with forward Aaron Naughton and defensive duo Caleb Daniel and Taylor Duryea all added to Luke Beveridge's leadership group for the year ahead.
The Bulldogs' senior coach lauded Bontempelli's continued service to the club, while welcoming the four new members of his side's captaincy cohort.
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“Marcus has developed into a fine leader of our football club, and we’ve seen him rise to another level with the captaincy. He will continue to lead us into the future,” Beveridge said.
“We’re thrilled for Jack to step into the role of vice-captain. He is a person who is selfless in his actions, expects high standards of himself and those around him, and has developed the respect and admiration of his team-mates.
“Marcus and Jack will be strongly supported by Taylor, Aaron and Caleb in an official leadership capacity, and we’ll value the contributions of the entire playing group throughout the year.
“We’re fortunate that we have a closely connected group, and individuals who offer their own important leadership qualities, which will be extremely valuable to the collective as we head into the 2022 season.”
The Bulldogs will be seeking redemption in 2022 after their grand final loss to Melbourne, with their season to open against the reigning premiers on Wednesday, March 16 at the MCG.