Marcus Bontempelli’s star continues to rise. 

The influential Bulldog has been acknowledged for his outstanding year for the second time in as many days, adding All Australian selection to his AFLCA Player of the Year Award. 

His selection on the wing marked his second All Australian call-up at just 23 years of age, after first being named in 2016.

Teammate and fellow All Australian Jack Macrae praised the Bulldogs’ vice-captain.

“What hasn’t been said about Bonti?” Macrae said. 

“Obviously he’s an amazing player. 

“I know Josh (Dunkley) and I in the midfield and pretty much the whole team have the best seat in the house week-to-week, just to watch him go to work.

“You see some things, and you can’t believe what happened really.

“He makes me walk taller in the midfield.” 

MACRAE HONOURED BY ALL AUSTRALIAN CALL-UP

Bontempelli praised his fellow midfielders for their impact, and helping him to have the year he has had.

Both Macrae and Josh Dunkley were also in the top 10 of the AFLCA voting. 

Building chemistry on the field has been a focus for the Bulldogs across the board in 2019. 

“Jack and Josh have both had incredible years,” he said. 

“So to also work in with them does make it important, and it just takes time (building chemistry)…. It‘s not something you can flick on and flick off, it does take a bit of time to build.

“I think that’s sort of happened for us a little bit across the board throughout the back half of the season.”

BONTEMPELLI HUMBLED BY COACHES’ AWARD 

Despite the individual honours, the Bulldogs’ vice-captain said his attention was targeted on the finals.

“After experiencing it for the first time, you’re always craving it and wanting to get back there,” Bontempelli said. 

“We’re in a fortunate position to be playing again next weekend, so we’re all looking forward to it.”