MPNFL: Sorrento picks up ex-AFL Demon Kyle Dunkley

A former Melbourne midfielder has been cleared to MPNFL flag contenders Sorrento ahead of the June 30 deadline.

Melbourne’s Kyle Dunkley tries to spoil Richmond’s Tom Lynch. Pic: Michael Klein

Sorrento has made a bold mid-season move, picking up two recruits.

Ex-AFL Demon Kyle Dunkley and Barooga wingman Cooper Trembath have been cleared to the Mornington Peninsula league club ahead of the June 30 deadline.

Dunkley, who made five appearances with Melbourne in 2019, is a Northern Bullants VFL listed player this season.

But he’s currently sidelined after thumb surgery.

Sorrento coach Leigh Poholke was hopeful 21-year-old Dunkley would make his return from injury through the Sharks in the coming weeks.

“He’s got another three weeks before he plays again,’’ Poholke said.

“And then whether it’s with us or his VFL side the Bullants, well, it’s to be confirmed.

“You’d think after seven or eight weeks, I don’t know, they might have him straight back in but that’s a long time without footy to bring someone straight into the VFL system. But again, I don’t know.

“It’s just a nice place for him to call home for a little while.’’

Clayton Oliver and Kyle Dunkley training with the Demons. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

Dunkley became Melbourne’s first ever mid-season selection, becoming a rookie in 2019.

He made his AFL debut against Carlton in Round 16 and played five senior games in the back-half of the year.

The brother of Bulldog Josh, and son of former Swan Andrew, Dunkley is an inside midfielder who has the ability to go forward and hit the scoreboard.

His connection with Sorrento is through Sharks ruckman Daniel Hughes. They work together.

Poholke said he was “hopeful without getting too excited’’ that Dunkley would pull on a Sharks jumper.

“We’ll just see what happens with VFL,’’ Poholke said.

“He’s played eight VFL games so he’s on the cusp (of being ineligible for MPNFL finals).

“We’re hopeful for next season but it’s a good start to build a relationship, get to know him and for him to get to know us…for a place for him to call home while he plays VFL.

“He might get a crack at AFL again. If he doesn’t then hopefully he can call Sorrento home.’’

Trembath will line-up with Sorrento’s reserves side against Edi-Asp on Saturday.

“From the reports I’ve read he’s a skilful winger, runs all day and is pretty clean,’’ Poholke said of Trembath.

“He played seven or eight senior games with Barooga before hurting his knee. I think he was in the best five times. And he sounds like a really good kid, too.’’

Sorrento has been hit hard with injuries to key players this season.

James and Mitch Hallahan, Poholke, Jon Croad, Nick Wood and Luke Brigden have all been sidelined with injuries.