Marcus Bontempelli has spent years shouldering the brunt of the Western Bulldogs’ premiership aspirations.

But the arrival of greater depth, highlighted by Zak Butters, could present the Dogs champion with enough allies to prolong his glittering career.

Bontempelli, facing the challenge of first-time fatherhood, says Butters alongside he and Ed Richards will allow him to evolve roles and “peak at the right time” of each season.

“It definitely does help,” Bontempelli said, speaking as a Taubmans Paint ambassador.

“It’s a combative game at times and when you consider how long our season or even off-season is, it’s lots of time to be bashing into each other.

“Ultimately, hopefully, it does create an opportunity where I can try play at the level for as long as I am mentally and physically capable.

“It certainly might be a bonus for me. I’m not 18 or 20 anymore, so you’ve got to be conscious (of age).

“You’ve seen other guys across the league as they get on into their mid 30s is how they continue to time their run well and peak at the right time.

“For me, I’m confident in my body. I’ve been fortunate to this point, but ultimately the sharing of the load aspect is something I think we will all benefit from with those guys.”

The expectation after the Butters acquisition is Bontempelli, who will turn 31 this month, will spend more time forward, helping the likes of Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton kick a big score.

But the Bulldogs skipper doubts there will be a set time in each position and even he is eager to see how it will evolve over the season.

“It does feel like we’ve got quite a bit of depth now, when you consider Zak and Finn Maginness and what he can bring in a variety of different roles,” Bontempelli said.

“Then obviously the emergence of our younger guys in Joel (Freijah), Ryley Sanders and guys who can pinch hit for sure in Rhylee West and Matty Kennedy.

“What it does do is give us a bit more flexibility. My game specifically will be interesting to see how it evolves.

“I’ve enjoyed trying to add elements of forward craft to my game, as it’s been needed, but with the return of Sam Darcy and emergence of others, it will be something that evolves over the season.

“There won’t be any designs from the start, but it’ll be great once we’re back, building towards the season (and) get a feel for what it looks like.

“I’ve never been against spending a bit of time in the forward third if it can help us.”

Bontempelli is welcoming every challenge as a father after the birth of his daughter, Daisy.

“I will hopefully get a bit more empathetic, children can do that to you, they soften you right up,” he said.

“For what is always a pretty robust environment, football clubs, they’re very demanding. I am sure becoming a father will open my eyes up to a different part of me as a person.

“A lot of that is still to be seen, I guess, as we’re only in the early parts of being parents, but it’s such a blessing to be a father and have a child of our own.

“I can’t wait to have all those first-dad experiences throughout the course of the next months and years.”

Originally published as ‘Peak at right time’: Marcus Bontempelli reveals plan to prolong AFL career