Western Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli has broken new ground, recording the most VFL/AFL wins as captain in Club history.

Sunday’s 79-point win over Richmond marked Bontempelli’s 77th as skipper, eclipsing previous record-holder Ted Whitten Snr’s 76.

Bontempelli has officially served as skipper since 2020, but his tally starts as early as 2016.

Standing in as captain against West Coast at 20 years and 194 days of age, Bontempelli became the youngest captain in the game’s history to lead a VFL/AFL team to victory at that time.

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AFL R15 | Brilliant Bont takes less than a minute to go bang

Marcus Bontempelli wastes no time in snapping the opener from the top of the goal square

He stood in as captain another eight times from 2016-2018 before officially taking over the reins from Easton Wood in 2020.

Bontempelli has also received plaudits for his leadership from outside the Kennel – having been named the 2024 All Australian captain, thrice voted the AFLPA’s Best Captain (2021, 2023, 2024) and twice named the All Australian vice-captain (2021, 2023). 

The 29-year-old will have further reason to celebrate if his side can triumph this Friday night, in what will mark his 250thcareer game. 

Most VFL/AFL wins as Bulldogs captain

  1. Marcus Bontempelli – 77* games
  2. Ted Whitten Snr – 76 games
  3. Scott Wynd – 74 games
  4. Brad Johnson – 72 games
  5. Arthur Olliver – 68 games