Although Marcus Bontempelli of the Western Bulldogs is limited to crutches following unexpected ankle surgery this week, he is optimistic he will be ready for the first day of preseason sports.
Following the season, while on vacation in Canada and the USA, Bontempelli experienced some ankle soreness during his running sessions. Before the soreness turned into swelling, he underwent surgery on Monday.
The team captain is certain that he will be prepared for the Bulldogs’ preseason training to begin on November 27 and that he will be able to move freely by the end of the week.
“I’ll move to ease everyone’s tensions or concerns, it’s just a little ankle clean-up,” Bontempelli told SEN.
“Got through the season and whatnot pretty good and then had my break, started training and noticed a few little signs, a little bit of swelling and it was staying a little bit angry post-session since coming back from my off-season trip.
“So we just decided it was better to act now rather than pushing into the pre-season and then season, going for a little tidy up.
“Should still be well and truly on track to get things going once we’re back on the 27th of November.
“No big concern here, better to act sooner rather than later and get going. Should be (walking) properly by the end of the week.”
Bontempelli won the AFLPA MVP after one of the best seasons in his career, averaging 28 disposals, seven tackles and eight clearances in 23 games.
The Bulldogs, who did not make it to the championship game this season, have completely reorganized their coaching staff, adding Daniel Pratt, a former West Coast assistant, along with Matt Egan, Alex Johnson, and Jarryn Geary.
