Bont poised to pen fresh four-year deal... but veterans still waiting — AFL Trade Whispers

Lions on hold in Gabba thriller vs Dogs | 03:11

Marcus Bontempelli is on the cusp if signing a fresh contract extension with the Dogs. But there’s still a wait on two veterans.

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BONT SET TO SIGN FOUR-YEAR EXTENSION

Western Bulldogs superstar skipper Marcus Bontempelli is expected to sign a new four-year deal that’d tie him to Whitten Oval until at least 2029.

Talks between Bontempelli have pushed into the back-end of the year after the 29-year old started the season injured and because he was focused on opening his new cafe.

Foxfooty.com.au’s Ben Cotton reporter earlier this month negotiations had progressed and that the club was hopeful of reaching an outcome soon, with a new contract now imminent.

“Marcus Bontempelli’s new deal is expected to be a four-year deal,” Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph said on Fox Footy on Friday night.

“He’s 30 in November, so that last year would be him playing all the way through to 33.”

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 18: Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs in action during the round 19 AFL match between Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs at The Gabba on July 18, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

While Ralph couldn’t confirm the size of the contract, he suggested it’d be similar to Matt Rowell’s deal worth around $1.4 million per season.

“Let’s face it, you give (Bontempelli) whatever he wants ... I don’t know what the money is, but if you want to compare — Matt Rowell just signed a two-year deal at about $1.4 million. You’d say it’s about the same money,” Rowell added.

“He’s always taken a little less than he could’ve. If ‘Bont’ gets four years at about $1.4 million (per season), that’s about right.”

LIBBA, ZORKO TALKS STILL WEEKS AWAY

While Bontempelli is close to an extension at the Kennel, fellow Dogs star Tom Liberatore remains around a week away from kicking off his talks.

Meanwhile Lions veteran Dayne Zorko is expected to begin negations with Brisbane in a fortnight’s time.

Liberatore, 33, is arguably in career-best form in a brilliant season in the Dogs’ midfield set to reward him with a new deal.

“Tom Liberatore is only a week away from his own contract talks,” Ralph said.

“Of course, he’s had his concussion history. But he’s playing such great football and you’d think he’s almost All-Australian.

“His manager, Tom Pertoro, will get that deal done with minimum fuss.”

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Meanwhile Zorko might have to wait slightly longer, though all signs point to the 36-year old earning an extension amid his own brilliant campaign across halfback.

“Also a Petroro client. About a fortnight away from starting those talks,” Ralph continued.

“But Brisbane footy boss Danny Daly says they want him have him there, he could be back-to-back All-Australian. It’s probably an August decision.

“He’s the fourth oldest player in the AFL behind Pendlebury, Goldstein and Boak. These 35-pluses keep playing amazing football.”

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