Bont, Macrae to lead Bulldogs in AFL

The Western Bulldogs have given their leadership group a shake-up for 2022 as they attempt to atone for last year's AFL grand final defeat.

Marcus Bontempelli will continue as captain for a third season, with Jack Macrae elevated to vice-captain.

The five-man group also includes Caleb Daniel, Taylor Duryea and key forward Aaron Naughton.

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Former vice-captain Mitch Wallis has been left out after managing just six games last season.

Macrae was named an All-Australian for the third-straight year in 2021 and claimed the Gary Ayres Medal as the best player of the finals series, which culminated in the Bulldogs' grand final loss to Melbourne.

"We're thrilled for Jack to step into the role of vice-captain," Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said.

"He is a person who is selfless in his actions, expects high standards of himself and those around him, and has developed the respect and admiration of his teammates."

Macrae, a star in the Bulldogs' famous 2016 premiership, steps into a leadership role for the first time heading into his 10th season with the club.

"It honestly means the world to me," the 27-year-old said.

"It's such a privilege every week to pull on this jumper and play with our group.

"To be in this position, it's certainly not lost on me.

"I am really excited about what this group can do over the next few years and beyond.

"I can't wait to work with Marcus and the other leaders in building what we have started."

Wallis, who missed the 2016 premiership through injury, was the Bulldogs' top goal-kicker in 2020 before falling out of favour last season.