Western Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge has praised skipper Marcus Bontempelli, Caleb Daniel and Jack Macrae, after all three were named in the All Australian team this week.

This year marks the first time since 2015 the Bulldogs have had three players in the All Australian side – with Easton Wood, Bob Murphy and Jake Stringer all named in that year’s 22.

“It’s a great fillip for the boys in particular,” Beveridge said.

“Those individual accolades, as much as it’s a team game, I think we all take some pride and feel good about it for the boys, the club in particular and our supporters.”

Beveridge acknowledged Bontempelli’s efforts as captain in his first year and a now three-time All Australian.

“Marcus as a new captain, with the challenge of bringing out your best performance… like so many great leaders, he’s always got that attention and focus on his teammates and the people around him to help improve them,” Beveridge said.

“Sometimes that interferes with your own performance. It’s not just the player in Marcus, it’s the person and the character.

“He’s just been outstanding in what he’s been able to do for the group and for the club.”

Daniel’s growth over his journey has been clear to see for Beveridge, culminating in a first All Australian call-up, while the ultra-consistent Macrae again has had an enormous impact to earn back-to-back honours.

“Caleb’s just an amazing player,” Beveridge said.

“For a while in the early parts of his journey, trying to work out where to place him when he was so young and really light when he started.

“He’s not just a great distributor of the ball, he’s a very, very good defender. It’s just an outstanding achievement for him. 

“Jacko gets his second blazer. He had a bit of a slow start, but he’s been a significant performer for us.”