AFL Draft 2015: Josh Dunkley’s Victoria footy dream alive despite Sydney father-son nomination

JOSH Dunkley’s dream of starting his AFL career in Victoria remains alive despite nominating to join Sydney as a father-son selection on Friday.

Under 18 Championships - Vic Country v WA at Simonds Stadium Geelong. Country's Josh Dunkley calls for the ball. 2nd July 2015. Picture: Colleen Petch.

JOSH Dunkley’s dream of starting his AFL career in Victoria remains alive despite nominating to join Sydney as a father-son selection on Friday.

The son of 217-game Swans defender Andrew signed papers just before Friday’s deadline to join Sydney.

But if a Victorian club bids on the inside midfielder with brilliant leadership qualities the Swans could pass him up.

Sydney does not want to enter 2016 with a draft points deficit and is expecting Melbourne to bid pick No. 3 on its academy star Callum Mills.

Under the AFL’s radical new bidding system, that would force the Swans to cash in picks 33, 36, 37 and 44 for Mills and pick 62.

Carlton (pick 19) and the Western Bulldogs (20, 21 and 30) are the most likely Victorian clubs to nominate Dunkley.

West Coast (pick 23) is also keen.

Dunkley has battled stress fractures in his back and a foot problem this year but Gippsland Power talent manager Peter Francis believes if Dunkley builds an outside game he could evolve into a Nat Fyfe-type.

Dunkley is a strong overhead mark and can play almost anywhere on the field. He is expected to start his AFL career at halfback and develop into an on-baller.

“I’m not really like anyone in particular,” he said.

Josh Dunkley training at the Sydney Swans during the year. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“I see my hands and vision inside like Scott Pendlebury, body-size I’m similar to Jobe Watson and then marking and as a target up forward it’s (Luke) Parker.

“And then my inside game is a little bit like Josh Kennedy as well.”

Dunkley played six VFL games for Richmond this year and the Tigers would love to draft him but are unlikely to part with pick 12 to secure him.

“Like the vast majority of players in the draft, Josh’s desire is to stay close to family but he has elected to nominate the Swans and is open to a move north which is exciting,” Swans football boss Tom Harley said.

If Dunkley has to shift interstate he would prefer the Swans.

“I’ve been there four times over the last 12 months, so knowing the coaching staff and the players would help with my transition,” he said.

Originally published as AFL Draft 2015: Josh Dunkley’s Victoria footy dream alive despite Sydney father-son nomination