AFL draft 2015: Josh Dunkley nominates Sydney Swans under father-son rule

JOSH Dunkley has elected to nominate the Sydney Swans under the father-son rule, despite a strong desire to stay close to family in Victoria.

Josh Dunkley son of former Swans Andrew Dunkley at Sydney Swans this week. Picture. Phil Hillyard

JOSH Dunkley has elected to nominate the Sydney Swans under the father-son rule, despite his strong desire to stay close to family in Victoria.

There had been heavy speculation over recent months Dunkley wouldn’t nominate the club his father Andrew played 217 games for.

But Dunkley lodged official paperwork with the AFL on Friday, following a meeting with the Swans on Thursday.

Despite Dunkley’s decision, the Swans are still not guaranteed to win his services on draft night next Tuesday in Adelaide.

With Melbourne or Essendon likely to bid on Swans academy prospect Callum Mills with picks No. 3 or 4, the Swans would have to use at least three picks to match the Mills bid.

Therefore should an early bid also come for Dunkley, the Swans would likely face a points deficit in 2016 should they match the bid.

Dunkley, a tackling machine who possesses clean hands, has reportedly attracted interest from Victorian clubs Carlton and Richmond, as well as interstate clubs Adelaide, Gold Coast and West Coast.

Swans general manager of football Tom Harley said the club was pleased with Dunkley’s decision to nominate Sydney, but admitted he may not end up at the Swans.

“Josh is a determined and competitive player and has existing relationships within the club,” Harley said.

“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.

“Both parties understand that the nature of the new father-son and academy bidding system means that nothing is guaranteed on draft night.

“We look forward to seeing how everything pans out on the night and are pleased with Josh’s decision to nominate the Swans today.”

Originally published as AFL draft 2015: Josh Dunkley nominates Sydney Swans under father-son rule