Jimmy Bartel has warned the Western Bulldogs that “time’s ticking” to win one other premiership, with fears skipper Marcus Bontempelli is on the finish of his tether.
It comes after the Canine’ 37-point loss to Hawthorn within the elimination ultimate on Friday night time on the MCG.
Bontempelli collected 18 disposals in his aspect’s loss and had simply 4 touches within the second and third phrases, as he sat within the ahead line as an alternative of midfield.
READ MORE: Head equals insane document as Aussies smash England
READ MORE: Gun Reynolds alternative Broncos need however ‘cannot afford’
READ MORE: Aussie teen’s authorized battle as big US Open prize stripped
When he was moved again into the center within the final quarter, he nabbed 9 disposals and kicked a purpose, lifting his crew for a quick interval of the match.
However, in line with Bartel, it shouldn’t be as much as Bontempelli to single-handedly carry his aspect to success.
“Time’s ticking. The champs need to money in. They need to take a full toll,” Bartel stated on 9’s Footy Categorized on Wednesday night time.
“He’ll get much more private accolades this 12 months, when all of the awards are performed. However he desires one other premiership.”
Footy Categorized is now accessible as a podcast! Subscribe/comply with through Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts
Matthew Lloyd famous how indignant the 2016 premiership participant seemed throughout that ultimate time period, as he tried to place the Canine on his again.
“I have never seen him … so animated and annoyed in a sport of footy,” Lloyd stated.
“We’re seeing that degree of outward frustration and emotion. He is aware of the sport was getting away from them,” Bartel added.
It comes as two of Bontempelli’s teammates, Bailey Smith and Jack Macrae, requested trades out of Whitten Oval through the week.
It raises fears that there’s a rising disconnect between gamers and coach Luke Beveridge, who appears to play these outgoing stars out of place.
“This time final 12 months, it was beginning to be talked about, whereas he (Smith) was nonetheless in contract for this present season, (that he) wished out,” Damien Barrett stated.
“Now the injury performed within the 2023 season … being pressured to play away from the on-ball roles, was one thing he wasn’t in a position to get better from.
“These gamers are leaving within the peak of their type.”