Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Green wowed fans at Saturday night’s GWS v Western Bulldogs clash at Manuka Stadium, with the star midfielders engaged in an enthralling contest.
While the Dogs ran out 15-point winners, all of the headlines following the clash focused on the duo’s individual performances with Bontempelli picking up 32 disposals, 14 clearances and kicking a goal while Green was prolific with 38 touches and three goals of his own.
With the star performers matching up on each other for much of the second half, SEN’s Gerard Whateley was thrilled to see a genuine head-to-head star battle take place.
“The best bits, I thought, was Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Green (and their battle),” Whateley told SEN Mornings.
“They ended up playing on each other in the second half, which was a bit of a treat.
“We had (Patrick) Dangerfield versus (Jordan) Dawson for a half down in Geelong, which was compelling and then we had Bontempelli who was totally off the chain and Green goes to him.
“I reckon Green in that second half announces himself as what we can see coming, and he is just about there.”
Whateley’s co-host Dermott Brereton was also impressed with the performances as he tipped 22-year-old Green to be a future Brownlow Medal winner, while describing Bontempelli as the best midfielder in the competition.
Brereton believes GWS were willing to let go of both Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper to Richmond in last year's trade period knowing that they had Green in the ranks.
“Tom Green's the genuine article,” Brereton said.
“I mean, if Tom Green doesn't get recruited by the Giants, if he's at another club, the Giants have still got (Tim) Taranto and (Jacob) Hopper.
“They look at their salary cap and think, ‘We need to pair something off, we’ve got three of the same player, let's keep the best, Tom Green’.
“I truly believe Tom Green will win a Brownlow, he’s that good.
“As for Bontempelli right now, he’s my numero uno in the comp.
“He is the best midfielder in the competition.”
Green, who averages 33 touches in 2023, will hope his good form continues when the Giants face Collingwood on Sunday, while Bontempelli will look to lead the Dogs to another win when they face Carlton on Saturday night.