WESTERN Bulldogs young gun Marcus Bontempelli isn't expecting any retribution from North Melboune on Saturday night following his comments about Lindsay Thomas the last time the sides met.
Speaking to Fox Sports after the sides' round six clash, Bontempelli said Thomas' crude tackle on teammate Lachie Hunter had "quite a bit of malice" in it and was "a bit unfair."
The 'coathanger' style tackle resulted in Hunter being hospitalised after the game and Thomas receiving a one-match ban by the Match Review Panel.
Match preview: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne
Bontempelli dismissed talk the Kangaroos would be out to settle a score, as he believes seventh and eighth placed sides will be too busy trying to enhance their faltering top-four aspirations.
"I think players move on pretty quickly and I've got plenty of confidence in the fact there'll be plenty of heat in the game, because it's an important game to win," Bontempelli told AFL.com.au.
"The result is going to impact both clubs (whichever) way it goes.
"I feel like there's going to be a natural level of intensity and heat in the game, which the fans want to see.
"We certainly want to provide (that) as a group of players."
While he's playing down the potential for a spiteful clash, Bontempelli isn't about to concede the Bulldogs' season is over following the injuries to key playmakers Tom Liberatore and Jack Macrae.
The star duo were added to an already long injury list following the plucky loss to Geelong last week, but the star midfielder was sure the club could cover the considerable loss.
Impressive youngsters Lukas Webb and Nathan Hrovat have been recalled to fill the massive hole in the midfield, and Bontempelli expects them to perform well.
"It's a difficult thing to have to fathom, but (injuries are) a harsh reality of footy," Bontempelli said.
"But the way we've dealt with them is reflective of the resilience of the group and how we've prepared ourselves for these situations.
"Despite having some crucial players not available, I think our depth has held us in good stead.
"We've relied on so many players this year and we're still confident in spreading the load.
"That will continue to be a trademark of our group."
