Marcus Bontempelli has finally put pen to paper on a new four-year deal with the Western Bulldogs.
The captain’s existing contract expires at the end of the season and intrigue surrounded negotiations for what is almost certain to be the last long-term agreement of his stellar AFL career.
Player and club were both adamant negotiations would ramp up during the year but fans have grown increasingly anxious in recent weeks.
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The new contract will run through to the end of the 2029 season, when Bontempelli could be within touching distance of Brad Johnson’s club-record 364 games.
Bontempelli turns 30 in November and recently notched up his 250th game.
He was honoured as the Bulldogs’ second greatest player at a centenary gala on Monday night, behind only Ted Whitten.
A 2016 premiership player, Bontempelli has won six best and fairest awards — including three since taking over as skipper in 2020.
The No.4 was also named captain of the All Australian team last year.
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