The Western Bulldogs are closing in on new contracts for gun midfield pair Tom Liberatore and Marcus Bontempelli per, AFL.com.au.
Currently, the Dogs are flying, winning three from three for the first time since 2009 and the club looks set to reward the out-of-contract, in-form pair with new deals.
Liberatore currently leads the competition in clearances, following a 12-clearance performance against North Melbourne on Good Friday.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
It was only a couple of years ago that Liberatore ruptured an ACL in Round 1 of the 2018 season and missed the entire campaign.
He signed a two-year extension at the end of 2019 and has since missed just the two games - those coming at the start of last season.
With our midfield, having Adam Treloar roaming around unchecked is almost as ridiculous as having Tom Liberatore re-engage peak clearance beast mode.
— A Tribe Called West (@BulldogLitig8or) April 2, 2021
Whilst Liberatore is in talks to get a multi-year contract extension, the deal for Bontempelli is likely to lock away the Bulldogs captain for the long-term.
Bontempelli, who turns 26 in July, is one of the hottest names on the free agency market this off-season and has started the 2021 season in blistering fashion.
Against West Coast in Round 2, Bontempelli recorded 30 disposals and kicked three goals in their narrow victory.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
It is expected that a long-term contract extension could be announced in the coming weeks.
๐ Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli is edging towards a new long-term deal that could be announced in coming weeks. [@cleary_mitch] #MightyWest pic.twitter.com/rqufypNXfR
— The Salty Bulldog๐ (@TheSaltyBulldog) April 8, 2021