MARCUS Bontempelli isn't far off joining Dustin Martin and Patrick Dangerfield in the top echelon of AFL players, says Western Bulldogs captain Easton Wood.
Martin and Dangerfield are widely considered as being in a class of their own after dominating the competition and winning a Brownlow Medal each over the past two seasons, but 'Bont' is hot on their heels in the superstar stakes.
The 22-year-old, like his older and more decorated contemporaries, has the ability to wreak havoc in the midfield and then push forward to be a legitimate threat in attack.
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While his standing amongst his peers fell well behind top-placed Martin and second-ranked Dangerfield in the Players' Top 50 Poll, Wood believes Bontempelli (rated 15th) is primed to join the competition's elite.
"I wouldn't have felt he's far off (Martin and Dangerfield) at all," Wood said at Captains Day on Thursday.
"What he's been able to achieve in such a short period of time, at his age, is quite astounding.
"The sky is the limit with him with his physical attributes, but also with his nature.
"He's got this wonderful curiosity and exploration in what he can do better and what he can do differently to be a better player, which what I love seeing him do.
"I've got no doubt he'll improve again - he's a star."
Another question surrounding Bontempelli is what position coach Luke Beveridge can reap the most from the playmaker's sublime talent.
While the 2016 All Australian is the Dogs' best midfielder, he is also their most dangerous forward, and although Wood isn't sure how Bontempelli should split his time, he knows it's a good problem to have.
Bontempelli finished 2017 with an inaccurate 20.17 in front goals while averaging 22 disposals and six tackles per game.
The Victorian was also 11th in the AFL for goal assists (19) and 14th for inside 50s (100) in a season where he became the youngest Bulldog to win back-to-back best and fairests.
"I don't know the answer to that (because) he's so dangerous in both positions, in particular with his height and length forward, he can really hit the scoreboard," Wood said.
"But he also has the creativity and the time around the stoppages as well.
"50-50 (split), maybe a bit more in the midfield.
"He'll dominate wherever he is."
