The Western Bulldogs have unveiled an unchanged leadership group ahead of the 2023 AFL season, with captain Marcus Bontempelli set to lead from the front once again.
The star midfielder will enter his 10th season at Whitten Oval this year and his fourth as skipper of the Bulldogs, with fellow onballer Jack Macrae appointed as his right-hand man for the second successive year.
Macrae was promoted to the vice-captaincy role in 2022 and will remain in the role for the year ahead, while Taylor Duryea, Caleb Daniel and Aaron Naughton will also continue to make up the club's leadership group this year.
โIt continues to be such an honour captaining this Club and I am really excited about what is next for this group,โ Bontempelli said in a club statement.
โTo be trusted again by the playing group and staff is something I won't take for granted, while having guys of Jacko, Doc, CD and Naughty's calibre is important in terms of building cohesion and continuing to search for sustained success.
โFrom a club point of view, we value contributions from the entire playing group and encourage individuals to bring their own leadership qualities to collectively add connection throughout the 2023 season.
โThere is a positive energy around our football program at the moment and it's a privilege to lead this team for another season.โย
The Western Bulldogs will open their 2023 home and away campaign against Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday, March 18.
The Dogs will play just the one pre-season match ahead of their season opener, with a clash against North Melbourne scheduled for Saturday, March 4 at Ikon Park.
