It's always been a matter of 'when', not 'if', when it comes to Western Bulldogs champion Marcus Bontempelli's next contract at the Kennel.
Every time the premiership Bulldog's playing future is discussed, there's an assured sense he'll re-sign, coupled with a conclusion that many believe it would've happened by now.
He entered the year facing questions over a new deal and was confident that an agreement would be met, eventually. From captain's day to in-season media conferences, and even on-field interviews quizzing him on his next move, Bontempelli has always stood firm that something will get done.
Through the early rounds of the season, Bontempelli's priority was set on returning from a calf injury that delayed his 2025 campaign, with the star midfielder returning to the team in Round 6 and doing so in style - having one of his best performances of the year to date against St Kilda.
Then came the bye rounds, with the Dogs among the first four clubs to enjoy a mid-season break in Round 12. The time to step away from football often comes with an increased focus on future planning - whether that be internal or external - with many suspecting Bontempelli's management to sit down with the club in late May.
Bontempelli's current contract - a four-year deal in 2021 - wasn't signed until the end of Autumn, and even then, it felt like an eternity for some at Footscray.
The likes of Matt Rowell, George Hewett, Miles Bergman and Brayden Maynard were among those to recommit to their clubs during or immediately after the recent bye rounds, further shrinking the pool of available top line talent.
For Bontempelli, while there remains little doubt he'll be a Bulldog in 2026, and likely one 'for life', the longer an announcement on his decision takes, the needle will slowly inch toward increasing concern.
Among most Bulldog fans, they'll still be confident Bontempelli will be in the red, white and blue even if he has no contract come the trade period. But that scenario won't stop clubs from asking what the hold-up is for.
It wouldn't be much of a surprise if the Bulldogs handed their captain a blank cheque and allowed him to set his price, which only adds to the bemusement as to why no deal has been done.
If Bontempelli were even to give a millisecond to assessing what the rest of the competition has to offer, there may be no better club to be at than the Western Bulldogs. With the emergence of Ed Richards, the reliance of Tom Liberatore, the stardom of Sam Darcy, and a new deal for a much-loved coach, Whitten Oval might be unrivalled as far as suitors sit.
The details of a new deal are sure to fascinate, too. The 29-year-old hasn't been one for long-term extensions, with his most recent four-term extension the longest of his career.
Does he look for another four seasons? Will he cash in on his standing as arguably the game's best player? Will he go short-term and return to another critical career call before Tasmania's arrival?
For the Bulldogs, not only would they be retaining one of the game's top players, but he too would be a bargaining chip for the club's own pursuit of star talent weighing up where to play their football in the future.
A six-time Charles Sutton Medal winner - including a best and fairest in the Dogs' 2016 premiership season - a three-time Leigh Matthews Trophy recipient, a six-time All-Australian, and a player who firmly had one hand on the 2021 Norm Smith Medal prior to the Dees' second-half avalanche. It's stunning to think Bontempelli's CV is far from finished.
Once a polarising draft prospect given certain questions over his potential at the top level, the Bontempelli-Bulldogs combination has continued to captivate and draw the attention of others.
That same feeling is sharply set on the next big decision in his illustrious career. And while there's little doubt something will indeed get done, all eyes are on 'The Bont'.