Beloved Dogs Captain Marcus Bontempelli says the team are staying focused on honing the teams playing DNA and solidifying their place within the competition. 

“(Finals are) an outcome of what will happen in a few weeks' time,” Bontempelli said. “It's hard to chain yourself to it, so we’re really mostly focused on what we can do to be playing better football and just challenge teams more.

“For us it’s more about the principles of the game that we want to get right and just playing a brand that we can get excited about and have people come and watch.”

02:40

Marcus Bontempelli | 'We can't wait to meet her'

Marcus Bontempelli discusses footy, playing with Ed and counting down to becoming a father.

Bontempelli also spoke on teammate Ed Richards , who has been a standout leader for the squad on and off the field.

“Great character, great spirit, clearly his growth from a football perspective is something that everyone can see,” he said.

“What I’ve really noticed and love from him is probably internal influence and what he’s done now being a formal vice captain of the football club.

“He really cares about this football club and you see it in his actions on the field, he’s continuing to shape our future as a football club. So yeah he's a star.”

07:19

AFL 360 | Ed Richards

Midfielder Ed Richards joins AFL 360 for Players' Night. Vision courtesy of Fox Footy.

Ahead of the AFL Member Thank You Round, Bontempelli has encouraged fans to come along to the game and fuel the team’s performance with their support.

“We love playing under the lid at Marvel, the environment our fans continue to create, it's so important, it's so critical to what we do on the field, having our fans engage with us,” he said.

“If you can get there, I know Thursdays are sometimes tough for families…but it’s probably our last Thursday night game of the year so if you can do it for one more, come down and support us.

“We love every one of you and all the support you bring and we’ll try our best to continue to fight through the back half of this season.”

As if a possible finals run wasn’t  exciting enough, Bontempelli is also excited for the imminent arrival of his daughter. 

“Really excited for that journey for us as a family and officially starting ours together, can’t wait for her to finally arrive,” he said.

“It could happen any day now.”