Western Bulldogs midfielder Marcusย Bontempelli has ended the speculation about his playing future, after signing a contract extension with the club.
Bontempelli was set to come out-of-contract by the end of the 2019 season, but has signed a two-year extension which will see him remain at Whitten Oval until the end of 2021.
The midfielder, who turns 23 this Saturday, has played 104 games for the Dogs after being drafted back in 2013.
Bontempelli told westernbulldogs.com.auย that he didn't see himself playing for any other club.
โIโve made no secret about the love I have for the Club, and how I want to play a key role in the future success of this playing group,โ Bontempelli said.
โI had no hesitation in getting it finalised now, with a year still to go on my contract, so I can concentrate all my energy on playing footy and helping the team.
โWe have a really talented group of young players, and Iโm excited about what they are capable of producing with a bit more experience under their belts.
โWe have created a great environment and we have the right program and people in place to take this group to the next level.โ
The star has won the club's best and fairest medal, the Charles Sutton medal, twice and was selected in the 2016 All Australian team.
The Dogs vice captain was also a key player in the 2016 premiership win and is looking to bring success to the club again.
General Manager of List and Recruiting Sam Power said the club is beyond thrilled to retain a player with such capabilities of Bontempelli.
โThereโs no doubting the importance of Marcus to our playing group, and weโre obviously thrilled to have extended his contract,โ Power said.
โMarcus has a great presence on and off the field, he leads by example, he is mature beyond his years and he has so much footy ahead of him.
โFinalising the contract extension so early effectively means weโve secured Marcus for three more years. Weโre pleased with how the negotiations were handled by the Club and his management team.
โWe look forward to seeing Marcus in the red, white and blue for a very long time to come.โ
