Western Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli is grateful for the late-game heroics of pup Michael Sellwood, after his incredible match-saving mark late in the side's victory over the Magpies.
However, Bontempelli was hardly shocked that it was the 22-year-old West Australian who delivered in the clutch for the Sons of the West.
The inspirational skipper revealed the moment he knew Sellwood's physicality would one day become a major part of the side's backline, when speaking post-match.
“It's not a surprise,” Bontempelli told Fox Footy.
“He's become one of the more reliable players in our team with regards to his contest, his physicality really quickly.
“You can tell the desperation in him. Getting drafted later, never really giving up on his opportunity.
“You can tell every week he's just relishing it.
“Stuff like that (mark)… I remember his first contest in his first training session, he almost killed Liam Jones. He was going back with the flight. Right then and there, you knew what he was about.
“Just like that play – head in the hole, no concern for his wellbeing or his body and comes up with a huge moment.”
The Bulldogs' uncompromising coach, Luke Beveridge, who has lambasted his side's unwillingness to retrieve contested possessions in recent weeks, echoed his skipper's sentiments.
“Almost channeling Leo Barry! Lesser stakes, even though there's a lot on the line,” he said.
“Lobby was in the vicinity, but we knew it wasn't going to get there.
“For him (Sellwood) to go up in amongst pretty good aerialists when you consider the marks these guys can take – he's got great courage, "Sellers".
“That's a really important involvement.”
THE MATCH-SAVING MOMENT 👏👏
In just his 12th AFL game, Bulldog Michael Sellwood produced the play of his LIFE.
✍️ #AFLDogsPies RECAP >> https://t.co/sILDO0TwqM pic.twitter.com/eDwP7B5I8j
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) May 30, 2026
Sellwood did his best to play down his heroics when speaking to broadcasters in the afterglow of his spectacular clunk.
“I just saw the ball. I was like, I really gotta go here. And if I go, I've got to mark it!” he said.
“Lucky it stuck. I think (Magpie Pat) Lipinski was (at the) drop of the ball there.
“Yeah, glad it stuck. The rest is history.
“I've come here the long way… didn't get drafted my draft year.
“Really happy "Bevo" has taken full faith in me.”
Sellwood's next opportunity to continue bedding down his place in Beveridge's backline comes on Friday night. A clash with Hawthorn's tall timber awaits.
