NEWLY re-signed Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli says it would be an honour to win this year's NAB AFL Rising Star award, but he's not buying into the external hype surrounding his debut season.
On Wednesday last week, the Bulldogs moved to shore up their bright future, extending the contract of the 18-year-old for another two years.
The new deal will keep Bontempelli at the Whitten Oval until the end of 2017.
"I was stoked that we could sort it out before the end of the year," the No.4 pick in the 2013 draft told AFL.com.au.
"I was always looking to re-sign. The culture and group at this club is incredible and the generosity they’ve shown me is unreal, so I'm happy."
The 194cm athletic midfielder has captured the hearts of football fans with his silky skills and football nous.
A stellar performance in the Dogs' round 13 win over Collingwood earned him a Rising Star nomination. Since then Bontempelli has continued to shine and is now favourite for the award.
Again on Sunday in the loss to North Melbourne, Bontempelli was influential, sparking a Bulldogs' revival in the second term and finishing with 23 touches, eight tackles and two goals.
Unaffected by all the hype and attention, Bontempelli said he's just focused on finishing the season strongly.
"It would be an honour (to win the Rising Star); there have been a lot of good players to come through and win it," he said.
"But I think if you buy into your own press you can start to drop off in your own performance - you can't think about it too much.
"We've got two games left and there are a lot of good players out there, so I think there is an even chance for anyone to get it."
Bulldogs skipper Ryan Griffen has played an influential role in helping Bontempelli's development in his first season.
The teenager said it was disappointing the team couldn't get a win for Griffen on Sunday in his 200th game.
"It is a bit sour because his contribution to the club has been huge," Bontempelli said.
"To not get it for him today isn't a sign of disrespect, but it would have been great to have achieved this for him to celebrate his great career.
"Griff is a really lead-by-example type of captain. Every game I've played with him he's done that and has been that spiritual leader for everyone.
"He's really looked after me on and off the field and has been a real mentor, someone I look up to because he has taken such an interest in helping me develop."
