Marcus Bontempelli has been unveiled as captain of Victoria for next month’s AAMI AFL Origin against Western Australia.
Bontempelli is no stranger to the captaincy role, having officially served as Bulldogs skipper since 2020.
His tally starts as early as 2016 however, when he stood in as captain against West Coast at 20 years and 194 days of age, becoming the youngest captain in the game’s history to lead a VFL/AFL team to victory at that time.
He has since recorded the most VFL/AFL wins as captain in Club history, named 2024 All Australian captain, thrice voted the AFLPA’s Best Captain (2021, 2023, 2024) and twice named All Australian vice-captain (2021, 2023).
“Pulling on the Big V has always been a huge honour, and to be given the opportunity to captain Victoria is something I’ll cherish,” Bontempelli said.
“There’s a deep history and pride that comes with representing your state, and I’m looking forward to leading some of Victoria's best footballers on February 14.”
Bontempelli will lead the Vics under coach Chris Scott, with Patrick Cripps named captain of Western Australia alongside coach Dean Cox.
The two states will go head-to-head on Saturday 14 February in front of a sold-out Optus Stadium crowd, with the state-based rivalry returning to the elite level for the first time in more than 25 years.
The 2026 AAMI AFL Origin match will be broadcast on Seven Network and Foxtel, as well as 7plus and Kayo streaming platforms, spotlighting Perth and its world-class sporting facilities to the rest of the nation.
The match will begin at 4.40pm AWST / 7.40pm AEDT.
For more information, head to Origin.AFL
