Marcus Bontempelli – Deck of DT 2025

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Why should I pick him?

Million Dollar MIDs

As I said the other day in my awesome Connor Rozee write up, there are only a few MID’s that are worth over a million worth paying up for. That is… if they offer some value and do not have an early bye. That list was: Rozee, Walsh, Brayshaw….

Enter Bontempelli.

The story

In 2023, Bont had a huge season where he averaged 117.

It was so big, that it scared many (Me) that we must start him the next year (good old FOMO). We did this because of the way he ended that 2023 season (avg 126 in his last ten) and for the early draw he had to start 2024.

So, let’s have a look at what went ‘wrong’ with season 2024.

Firstly, he finished the year averaging 111 in his last ten, and 110 in his last five which even includes an 81 and 92. Solid.

He had some monster games that included 159, 149, 142 and 135. But it was the way he started when he opened his account with 90, 104 and 103. Many jumped off at this point… but then Bont being Bont comes back with a 149… but then a 53 against the Bombers.

His season isn’t really being spoken about a lot from a Fantasy perspective because he frustrated many with some dirty scores in there and this actually pissed many coaches off. He failed to hit 100 on eight occasions but then again (and proving my point) he hit 120-plus seven times.

Add to this… Bont hasn’t missed a game in two years. This guy is not only chasing a Brownlow… but he carries the Dogs week in and week out and at the same time…. Fronts up.

Good early draw

Expect Bont to get off to a hot start based on the numbers he had against them same teams in 2024. Round one he is up against the Roos (he had 117, 126 against last year), he then plays Collingwood (159), Carlton (100), Freo (142, 96), Brisbane (93) and then the Saints (110) in round 6. That’s an average of 117.9…. his old 2023 average.

Want to kick off 2025 with a bang? Line this guy up as M1.

Captain material

Over the last two years… Bont has fired some big scores, and once he gets going… he continues in a big way.

100-plus = 48% of the time
120-plus scores = 32% of the time
130-plus = 20% of the time
140-plus = 17% of the time
150-plus = 7% of the time

He’s captain material and in round one (North) and two (Collingwood)… I’m tipping he’ll be high on the captain rankings for those weeks.

Why shouldn’t I pick him?

The only reason I’d say you wouldn’t want Bontempelii… is the fact you don’t think Bont can match the average of 107 he had last year.

I understand the frustration he caused last season, but he’s only at that 107 number now and not the huge 117 that some paid up for.

The other reason would be that – you don’t want a million dollar midfielder and that you are saving coin in this area. Rolling the dice with a real mid-priced structure. Obviously a play if that’s where you want to head, but I beleive our structure this year will allow us at least one, if not two million dollar men in the middle.

He also has the round 12 bye which would make him an early target once his bye had past. This is also a play as we look to upgrade to players coming off that first bye.

Deck of DT Rating.

ACE

What we have here is an uber-premium capable of averaging 115… without an early bye, and is priced at an average of 107, which is well under the 117 he did the year before. He plays every week, even if there are rumours that he is missing or walks off at training early… he still plays. Bont also has a ceiling which makes him a captain option either as a VC or C each week.

Calvin

Do you need a Captain? Then Calvin will help you out. Don't want a Captain? Calvin will tell you anyway. The man who digs deep into stats will help you pick a great captain and give you plenty of Fantasy advice. Follow him on Twitter: @CalvinDT