Key factor in Bont talks, Dogs eye new deal for gun as Tassie looms, more contract latest — In and Under

Marcus Bontempelli’s contract talks have dragged into the second half of the season, so how far off is a new deal?

Plus the contract latest on other stars and a key date to watch.

In and Under delves into footy’s hottest topics, with insights from behind the scenes.

FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.

AFL boss reflects on controversial rule | 02:50

DOGS HOPEFUL OF NEW BONT DEAL, EYE SANDERS EXTENSION

The Western Bulldogs and Marcus Bontempelli are progressing in contract talks, with the club hopeful of reaching a new deal soon.

Negotiations have dragged into the second half of the season after the superstar skipper begun the campaign injured and because he was focused on opening his cafe.

It’s not unusual for the 29-year old to take his time with contract decisions up to this point in the season, having done so in the past. But all signs point to a new deal being on the horizon for the 29-year old.

“There was a lot going on in my life early on in the season and hence why — probably no different to other years — I took my time a little bit with it,” Bontempelli said of his contract talks last month.

“But those conversations are definitely starting to take place, pretty much as of next week, so the ball can well-and-truly get rolling with that.

“I see it going quite smoothly.”

MELBOURNE, JULY 3, 2025: AFL Football - Round 17 - Western Bulldogs V North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium. Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs in action. Picture: Mark Stewart Source: News Corp Australia

Bontempelli has typically signed shorter extensions, ranging from two to four seasons. His current deal is a four-year contract signed in 2021.

The current market has seen big-money offers thrown around for the likes of Tom De Koning, Matt Rowell and Kysaiah Pickett that have pushed north of $1.5 million.

While Bontempelli, arguably the best player in the game and already one of the highest paid, could command a bigger payday than any star, there’s other factors at play.

That includes the Dogs’ bid to bolster their list with big names that hit the market in hopes of contending for premierships under Luke Beveridge.

The Whitten Oval-based club missed out on Rowell and Miles Bergman, while the Dogs are set to target Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters, who’s eligible for restricted free agency in 2026.

The Dogs will also need salary cap space for looming pay rises for emerging stars Sam Darcy, Ryley Sanders and Joel Freijah in the coming years.

In light of Colby McKercher’s contract extension with North Melbourne, the Dogs are set to look to reach a new deal with Sanders in the back-half of this season.

McKercher and Sanders, taken with picks 2 and 6 respectively in the 2022 AFL Draft, are the most promising Tasmanians in the AFL and considered top targets for the Devils when they enter the AFL in 2028.

But McKercher this week signed a new two-year deal with the Roos though that 2028 season to cross the dashing halfback off Tassie’s wish list, unless he requests a trade at the end of 2027.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 21: (L-R) Colby McKercher of the Kangaroos, James Leake of the Giants and Ryley Sanders of the Giants pose during the AFL Draft Media Opportunity at Marvel Stadium on November 21, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

“This is the opportunity for these Tasmanian boys. They’re going to get twice as much to go back home, because the AFL will want them to and the Tassie team will want them,” Saints great Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy after Sanders’ Dogs defeated McKercher’s Kangaroos on Thursday night.

“So the lure of the money is going to be significant.

“I understand these boys love to play in Victoria and rightly so. But the offers are going to be seriously significant that they’re going to have to consider it.

“Like we saw with Gary Ablett Jr. (moving to Gold Coast) or Tom De Koning (weighing up St Kilda’s lucrative offer), they could be life-changing decisions they’ll need to make when the team comes in, or the year after.”

Sanders, who’s contracted at the Dogs until the end of next season, has consolidated a spot in Luke Beveridge’s side in 2025, averaging 20.5 disposals per game.

McKercher and Sanders are both managed by Connor Sports’ Nick Gieschen.

Meanwhile Dogs veteran Tom Liberatore is expected to secure a new one-year deal to remain at Whitten Oval in 2026.

The 33-year old is set to be rewarded for a sensational season, having been named No. 34 in chief Herald Sun reporter Jay Clark’s top 50 players of 2025.

DONS STILL IN DRAPER TALKS, KEEN TO RETAIN FORMER TOP 5 PICK

Talks are continuing between Essendon and Sam Draper’s management as the Bombers free agent weighs up rival interest from Adelaide and Brisbane.

Bombers coach Brad Scott has previously said the club will give Draper “as much time as he needs” to make a call on his future.

The ruckman, who’s currently sidelined with a season-ending Achilles injury, has spent time in Noosa as he considers his options.

It’s understood the Bombers have tabled Draper a four-year extension, while Brisbane’s offer is considered the most enticing of the three clubs, as first reported by foxfooty.com.au’s Will Faulkner.

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 27th March, 2025 . AFL. Round 3. Essendon vs Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium. Sam Draper of the Bombers after kicking a 1st quarter goal . Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Draper’s potential departure could net Essendon another high draft pick and add to its 2025 crop — with two first rounders (currently picks 5 [tied to Melbourne] and 6) and two second rounders.

The Bombers also have emerging rucks Nick Bryan, who’s also out of contract, and Vigo Visentini waiting in the wings to step into bigger roles.

Essendon is meanwhile keen to retain Elijah Tsatas despite the potential for the former Pick 5 to pursue a fresh start elsewhere amid interest from other clubs.

Tsatas has struggled for regular senior opportunities in Brad Scott’s side in 2025, despite the Bombers’ myriad of injuries and his strong VFL form, averaging 33 disposals in the twos.

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 22nd March, 2025 . AFL Round 2. Essendon vs Adelaide at the MCG. Elijah Tsatas of the Bombers . Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

But the 20-year old has played just four AFL games — one as the sub — with his last appearance was in Round 12 as the Bombers have given the bigger-bodied Will Setterfield more run through the midfield.

Essendon is still bullish about Tsatas’ prospects and wants to keep developing the midfielder, who’s contracted for 2026.

The Bombers, who had interest in Gold Coast’s Matt Rowell and Port Adelaide’s Miles Bergman prior to them re-signing with their respective clubs in recent weeks, remain a watch for West Coast’s Harley Reid.

However the view from clubs right now is Reid is more likely to remain at the Eagles at least until the end of his 2026 contract.

KEY DATE TO WATCH AS CLUBS, MANAGERS TO MEET

Mid July looms as a key date for player contracts and behind-the-scenes movement.

For it’s when every AFL clubs’ list management teams and all player managers will be at the Gold Coast for the U16s National Championships.

Gold Coast will again host the final two rounds of the U16 National Championships from July 14 to 18 during school holidays.

Not only will there be a swirl of catch ups, but clubs will also have a better idea of where they’re placed overall and what draft assets they’ll have with regards to ladder position as they prepare to make list calls.

And as one list manager flippantly told foxfooty.com.au: “We’ll all be in better moods on the Gold Coast.”

NO MOVEMENT ON CAMERON EXTENSION

There’s still no movement on a contract extension for rising Collingwood ruckman Darcy Cameron.

The West Australian has another year to run on his contract but is hoping to secure a more lucrative extension following his ascension as one of the game’s top ruckman.

The 29-year old’s current three-year deal — signed midway through the 2022 season when he stepped into Collingwood’s No. 1 ruck role following Brodie Grundy’s injury — is considered well unders based on his current play.

Carlton and West Coast have been linked to Cameron as a potential contingency plan for the Blues if Tom De Koning leaves. But it’s understood Carlton mightn't be in the market for another ruck and could back Marc Pittonet in the role.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 21: Darcy Cameron of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the round 15 AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium, on June 21, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

As one list manager told foxfooty.com.au, Collingwood doesn’t have to do anything given Cameron is contracted. Plus Cameron is happy at the Pies and it’d be bold for a player to want out of a club right in its premiership window.

Magpies list boss Justin Leppitsch is currently overseas after spending time in Dallas for the US Combine last month along with several other clubs.

Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Jeremy Howe, Jamie Elliott and Brody Mihocek are among the Magpies veterans still without deals for 2026.

Collingwood last month locked away Brayden Maynard on a new four-year deal.

Click here to read article