Bontempelli on midfield time, Ryan, McVee & Van Rooyen debut updates and Cripps good to go

The AFL captains assembled in Melbourne for a big media day offering some insights into the new season, including updates on Marcus Bontempelli’s role plus a few Round 1 debutant prospects.

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Marcus Bontempelli (AF $891k SC $635k MID) spoke about potentially having more midfield time with Josh Dunkley’s exit combined with the Western Bulldogs’ tall forward line.

Bontempelli told afl.com.au: “I probably will (spend more time as a midfielder). It’ll mostly be about where you feel you can get an advantage. If it means spending more time around the ball to support our stoppage and our structure up the field, then I think that’s important.

“It’s not a height thing, it’s more about how we continue to make it difficult for the opposition to score against us but also for us to score. There will definitely be times where I’m down there and trying to float through and cause havoc, but it won’t be through necessity. It’ll be more through using the strengths that we’ve got.”

In terms of rookie-priced prospects, Toby Nankervis talked up the prospects of an early game for Samson Ryan (AF $200k SC $123k F/R).

Nankervis said: “(Ryan has) had a great summer, he’s done all the work over the last two pre-seasons in the gym and out on the track. He’s a lot fitter and a lot stronger and he’s got an AFL body now, I think.

“He’s such a good aerial player, and his skills below his feet are very strong for his size as well. If he’s not playing next week, I’m sure he’ll get a go early in the season.”

However, Max Gawn suggested potential debutant Jacob Van Rooyen (AF $200k SC $123k FWD) may need to wait get a gig.

Gawn told SEN: “We’ve got four very solid tall forwards in Ben Brown, Tom (McDonald), Jacob and Josh Schache. They’re all in ripping form.

“Jacob was doing a lot of stuff early in pre-season that we were like ‘wow, this kid has come back fit and wants to play Round 1’. He’s kept that form going but that’s lifts the other guys around him. The levels Tom and Ben have gone to (is great). Jacob is a good kid but at the moment he might have to bide his time.”

Gawn did flag Judd McVee (AF $200k SC $123k D/M) as a potential Round 1 prospect, particularly with Christian Salem (AF $653k SC $390k DEF) unlikely to be available early. He said: “He’s been playing in the backline. He’s going head-to-head with Michael Hibberd for that spot in the backline. It’ll be interesting to see which way the coach goes.”

The ruckman also flagged Taj Woewodin (AF $200k SC $123k M/F) as a debutant prospect in the first half of the season, having impressed as a sub in practice game.

Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps (AF $903k SC $611k MID) declared himself fit for Round 1 despite missing their final pre-seaosn games with a minor ankle injury.

“I’m good,” Cripps told afl.com.au. “I’ve got a training session tonight and I’ll do all of that, but I’m ready to go. It’s actually come at a good time, to have the week off and get it fully right. If it was in-season, I could have played, but I just made sure to knock it on the head before it kicks off.”

Cripps also said Sam Walsh (AF $916k SC $610k MID) was “tracking really well” but said there was no timeline on his return from a back injury.