MARCUS Bontempelli has topped a memorable 24 hours for the Western Bulldogs by being named the round 13 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
The 18-year-old midfielder collected the award after he played a key role in the Dogs' stunning eight-point upset of Collingwood on Sunday night.
He gathered a career-high 22 touches, kicked his first goal and celebrated his maiden win as a Bulldog, ensuring his sixth AFL game would be an unforgettable occasion.
"It's been massive. Especially after not only the win, but then this and kicking my first goal and a few big moments," Bontempelli told AFL.com.au on Monday.
"I've just really enjoyed the last 24 hours."
Emotions overflowed for some Bulldogs fans post-match, not least Bontempelli's father, who leaned over the Etihad Stadium fence and embraced his son as the Dogs celebrated a famous victory.
"It was an exciting game and I was just really proud that my family were able to be there to watch it, to see my first win," Bontempelli said.
"I guess the little bit at the end was just a sign of me being grateful for all the support over the years.
"They were just so happy for me and the team that we were able to have some success after a tough couple of weeks.
"(The win) was just huge for the club, not only for the players but also the coaching staff and people behind the scenes.
"The last few weeks there had been a bit of scrutiny and pressure built."
Bontempelli arrived at the Whitten Oval courtesy of the Dogs' No.4 pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft.
He made his debut in round five against Carlton but was in and out of the side for the next three games.
Dropping back to the VFL allowed the 192cm Northern Knights product to put development coach Joel Corey's advice into practice in a less intense arena.
"I did go back and spend two weeks in the VFL, probably just learning my craft a bit better, learning to adapt to the bigger bodies and getting some form together," Bontempelli said.
"Thankfully I played OK and they gave me an opportunity in the past few weeks.
"Joel's been massive in my development over the last few months. It's just invaluable the information he's able to give.
"I've tried to stick in his back pocket for the last couple of months and tried to soak up all (his) knowledge and ideas about the game."
Bontempelli joins a talented list of young Bulldogs to be awarded Rising Star nominations since 2010.
Jarrad Grant, Luke Dahlhaus, Liam Jones, Mitch Wallis, Jack Macrae and Michael Talia have received the weekly gong in the past four seasons.
Junior club – Eltham
TAC club – Northern Knights
