Marcus Bontempelli

Born on November 24, 1995, in Melbourne, Australia, Marcus Bontempelli was raised in Eltham, Victoria. He played junior football for the Eltham Panthers and at Marcellin College, where he excelled in both football and basketball, even achieving selection as a National School Boys basketball champion. Marcus continued his football development with the Northern Knights in the TAC Cup, demonstrating strong skills and leadership, particularly after transitioning from a half-back/forward role to midfield play. His performances led to him being drafted by the Western Bulldogs with the fourth selection in the 2013 AFL draft.

Bontempelli made his AFL debut in Round 5, 2014, against Carlton, and quickly established himself as a prominent young player. He earned an AFL Rising Star nomination in Round 13 of his debut season and was recognized as the Chris Grant best first-year player and AFL Players Association best first-year player. In 2016, Bontempelli played a crucial role in the Western Bulldogs’ drought-breaking premiership, winning his first Charles Sutton Medal. He became the club’s captain in 2020, solidifying his leadership position within the team and the league.

Throughout his career, Bontempelli has consistently been one of the AFL’s premier midfielders. He is a six-time All-Australian, a six-time Charles Sutton Medallist, and a three-time AFLPA MVP (2021, 2023, 2024). He also received the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year Award in 2019 and has been runner-up in the Brownlow Medal count twice, in 2021 and 2023. Beyond his on-field achievements, Marcus has also been involved in social activism, advocating against violence towards women and for marriage equality, and has mentored young people through the charity Ladder. He co-authored a children’s picture book and, along with his partner, owns Arthur’s Milkbar cafe in Kew.