Western Bulldogs champion Marcus Bontempelli says being appointed captain of Victoria for next month\u2019s State of Origin is an honour he will cherish forever.<\/p>\n
Bontempelli was unveiled as the Vics\u2019 skipper on Thursday alongside Carlton\u2019s heart-and-soul leader Patrick Cripps who will lead Western Australia. <\/p>\n
The match is the first between two states at the highest level in more than 25 years and will be played in front of a packed Perth Stadium on Saturday, February 14.<\/p>\n
\u201cPulling on the Big V has always been a huge honour, and to be given the opportunity to captain Victoria is something I\u2019ll cherish,\u201d Bontempelli said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a deep history and pride that comes with representing your state, and I\u2019m looking forward to leading some of Victoria\u2019s best footballers on February 14.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cripps has not been on the wrong side of his hometown\u2019s roar since he was drafted out of WA to Carlton in 2013.<\/p>\n
He says he\u2019s looking forward to leading the Sandgropers out in front of a packed crowd.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be named captain of Western Australia is incredibly special,\u201d Cripps said.<\/p>\n
\u201cRepresenting the state means a lot to me, and I can\u2019t wait to lead the team out at Optus Stadium in front of our home crowd and hopefully make them proud.\u201d<\/p>\n