Stiff Marcus Bontempelli 'optimistic' about tackling Kangaroos as Aaron Naughton returns for Western Bulldogs

Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli is “pretty optimistic” he will be fit to play in the AFL clash against North Melbourne, despite lingering concerns over a back issue.

Bontempelli fell awkwardly under the weight of a tackle from a teammate on Wednesday and left the field early with a back spasm.

The Brownlow Medal fancy was scheduled to be put through a fitness test behind closed doors at Whitten Oval on Friday, and took part in light drills with teammates in front of a gathered media pack.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge suggested his star man is an “above 50 per cent” chance of playing against the Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, but couldn’t be certain more than 24 hours out from the opening bounce.

“It’s just one of those back spasms where he’s been a bit ‘discy’ from the tackle that he received,” Beveridge told reporters on Friday morning.

“That can settle down or it can last for a bit longer.

“It has settled down and now it’s just the bending and the mobility and agility aspect of it.

“He’s pretty optimistic he’s going to be OK, but we’ll just make sure.

“From a probability point of view, he’s more on the ‘above 50 per cent’ side, but I can’t tell you whether he’s playing or not.”

Bontempelli has been in scintillating form this season, rated among the leading Brownlow Medal contenders after finishing runner-up for the second time last year.

He is third on the AFL Coaches Association’s player of the year leaderboard, behind Sydney star Isaac Heeney and Collingwood playmaker Nick Daicos.

Bontempelli has played every game so far in 2024 and was outstanding in wins over Fremantle and Collingwood before last week’s mid-season bye, despite battling illness in the lead-up to both fixtures.

“Some of us might just step off or flick the bails, but he’s obviously prepared to push himself through,” Beveridge said.

“He’s had a couple of his really outstanding games off the back of being sick.”

The Bulldogs have made three unforced changes, with key forwards Aaron Naughton (knee) and Sam Darcy (suspension) returning.

Oskar Baker has been recalled after strong VFL form, while Caleb Daniel, Buku Khamis and Anthony Scott have been dropped.

Naughton and Darcy will link up with fellow talls Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Rory Lobb, as well as ruckman Tim English, under the roof.

“Fitting them all in our front end will be a challenge at times, so you’ll probably just need to hang on and have a look at the variations of where they all play,” Beveridge said.

“But we think that as a collective ... they can put North under a bit of pressure no matter where they play.”