Despite earning his household reputation as one of the competition's leading midfielders, Western Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli can expect to spend more time within forward 50 according to head coach, Luke Beveridge.
Instrumental in his side's 68-point Good Friday shellacking of North Melbourne, Bontempelli bobbed up for three majors - including a pair in the opening term - whilst still managing to get his hands dirty further afield.
Though the sight of the 2021 AFLPA MVP playing out of the goal square rather than the centre square may have appeared a novelty to interested onlookers, the mustachioed Beveridge claimed Bontempelli's redeployment could well become de rigueur for the Dogs going forward.
โItโs probably the first time weโve gone in with a plan to play Marcus for longer periods just as a forward and it changed throughout the course of the game,โ the 2016 premiership steward stated at Marvel Stadium post-match.
โHeโs kicked three in the end; itโs not all about the goals but heโs definitely helped others in there and that helps โMarra' (Ugle-Hagan) a little bit.
โThe complexion of our forward line has changed quite dramatically from how we started the year, so it was great to see 10 goalkickers and the multiples are important. (Bontempelli) had a really telling effect on the game as a forward.โ
Entering the marquee fixture, Bontempelli had attended 68 per cent of the Bulldogs' centre bounces across the opening four weeks, but with the Barkly Street side losing their bite in front of goal against Richmond in Round 4, this figure fell to below 28 in the ameliorated offensive performance.
And while others may well have huffed at the prospect of seeing their game-day role muted, Beveridge delineated that his superstar's attitude towards the alteration was a testament to the 26-year-old's "great character".
โI had a conversation with him during the week around what the balance of his game in a perfect world, what would he want and what we think the team needs now,โ Beveridge revealed.
โBetween the two of us, we discussed the early part of the game playing predominantly forward.
โHe wanted to do that for the team and he didnโt need an arm up behind his back. He is such a great character.โ
While it would take a fool to deny Bontempelli's metal as a midfielder, the past pair of his four All-Australian blazers have been earnt after being selected as a forward.
And with the 176 gamer averaging a collective 1.5 scoring shots against the Pups' next four opponents - Adelaide, Essendon, Port Adelaide and Collingwood - should the now bearded Bulldog catch fire ahead of the ball, a third straight jacket as a genuine half-forward could well be in the offing.
Bontempelli and the Bulldogs are currently residing on the ladder's 12th rung ahead of the remainder of the Round 5 fixtures.
The Whitten Oval sid's next fixture will come against the Crows at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, April 23 at 1:45 pm AEST.
