Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge was tight-lipped when quizzed about the contract status of captain Marcus Bontempelli, although he remained confident the decision was "getting close".
Bontempelli, 29, has historically taken his time with re-signing at the club, but with six weeks to go, and his unrestricted free agency status, makes the delay peculiar.
However, the general belief is that the star midfielder will remain in Bulldogs colours for his entire career, and his coach didn't seem to be concerned.
"I think we're getting close, but that's all I can really say," Beveridge said with a grin.
Bulldogs president Kylie Watson-Wheeler said earlier in the month the announcement would be "imminent".
It comes on a day that troubled forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan returned to the Whitten Oval after taking "bereavement" leave in the past couple of weeks.
It is understood that Ugle-Hagan is hopeful of returning to the AFL, while the Bulldogs have remained steadfast in what boxes need to be ticked prior to that milestone.
"I can't really give you much other than he's chipping away, and he's training when he can," Beveridge said.
"He's had some bereavement stuff back with the mob in Framlingham, and he's working his way back through his fitness levels."
The Bulldogs' Friday night blockbuster against reigning premiers Brisbane shapes as a season-defining contest after falling outside the top eight.
Beveridge's poor record against contending sides (1-7) in 2025 has been well documented, while the term "flat-track bullies" has been used to describe the red, white and blue.
Last time they met, the Bulldogs held a 39-point lead early in the third term, but failed to stop a rampant Lions outfit, who kicked 13 of the last 16 goals.
The most recent loss to Adelaide also saw the Footscray club scrutinised for its inability to match it with the competition's best, namely from media personality and former Port Adelaide player Kane Cornes.
"Clearly the relationship between myself and the Western Bulldogs isn't a strong one."
Kane Cornes on his pre-game incident with Luke Beveridge | #AFLCatsDogs pic.twitter.com/ac5JNRRBIu
โ 7AFL (@7AFL) May 22, 2025
Cornes condemned Beveridge's fault in his coaching tactics, saying "no coach does less with more".
Beveridge, when quizzed about the controversial analyst's comments, told reporters on Wednesday that he "feels sorry" for them to work alongside him.
Beveridge and Cornes have had numerous run-ins over the years, most recently before a game in Geelong ahead of the Round 11 contest.
