Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli has credited his increased focus on grunt work in the absence of Josh Dunkley this season as crucial to his outstanding form.
Bontempelli, who will reach the 200-game milestone when the Bulldogs take on Hawthorn on Saturday, has rocketed into Brownlow Medal contention after a self-confessed "down year" last season.
The 27-year-old is widely rated as second-favourite to claim the game's highest individual honour, behind Collingwood young gun Nick Daicos, having finished runner-up to Ollie Wines in 2021.
Bontempelli said the move of Bulldogs best-and-fairest winner Dunkley to the Brisbane Lions during last year's trade period had prompted a shift in his own mindset over summer.
The Dogs have looked to collectively cover the hole left by Dunkley, and Bontempelli has stepped up - averaging career-best numbers in contested possessions (14.5) and clearances (8.5).
"Losing Josh was a big talking point and he was a very combative inside player for us," Bontempelli told reporters on Wednesday.
"He took care of that, with Tom (Liberatore) and others, at different points when we've been really dominant.
"I've looked to fill that gap and explore that part of my game, and still let the front-half game be a key factor.
"You're always looking for new strings to add to your bow and that's been me so far this year."
Further individual accolades are well within reach for Bontempelli - a four-times All-Australian and Bulldogs best-and-fairest winner - but it is team success that drives him.
He was part of the breakthrough 2016 flag-winning Western Bulldogs side in his third year at the club and was captain of the team belted by Melbourne in the 2021 decider.
"When you consider the club's history, it would be amazing to add another cup to the trophy cabinet for the Footscray Football Club and the Western Bulldogs now," Bontempelli said.
"I know with game 200 this week there's less (of my career) to go than I've committed.
"You're really trying to make the most of every game and take it in as much as you can, then think about what you can leave behind in the back half of your career."
Critics wrote off the Bulldogs' chances this season after a 0-2 start but Luke Beveridge's men have steadied the ship with wins in three of their last four games.
Bontempelli put the turnaround down to a renewed focus on simple aspects of the game, such as contest work, pressure and defence.
"We've tried to strip everything back and go to those things that made us a really good team, then let the other parts of our game evolve," Bontempelli said.
"There's a lot out there for us to do better and improve upon off the back of those key elements."
The Bulldogs will start hot favourites against last-placed Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium after thumping Fremantle by 49 points last week.
Liberatore (concussion) is unavailable but star midfielder Bailey Smith is likely to return from two weeks out with a calf injury.
