Western Bulldogs premiership star Josh Dunkley linked to Essendon

Essendon endured a nightmare 2020 season, but they’re preparing an all out assault during the trade period with one star in their sights.

Josh Dunkley has caught the eye of a rival Victorian club.

It may be Grand Final week, but it’s the trade wheels that continue to turn during the week that will steal the headlines.

Contracted players will be linked with moves away from their current clubs as those out of contract search for a new home.

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A handful of stars’ futures remain up in the air as the trade period draws closer with the rumour mill working overtime.

Keep up to date with all of the latest trade rumours right here.

BOMBERS EYE OFF PREMIERSHIP BULLDOG

Western Bulldogs midfield star Josh Dunkley has caught the eye of Essendon who are keen to rebuild following a tumultuous season.

The hits kept coming for the Bombers throughout 2020, but with a bountiful of cash at their disposal they’re looking to lure star players into the mix.

Dunkley remains under contract with the Bulldogs, but according to Triple M’s Tom Browne it hasn’t stopped the Bombers from sounding him out.

“In terms of trade update this morning, it’s my understanding that Essendon have sounded out the Bulldogs’ Josh Dunkley in recent weeks about the possibility of coming to the Bombers,” Browne said on Triple M’s The Hot Breakfast.

“All of it is interest I understand.”

Bombers have a war chest of picks and money. Very strong position. I’m not suggesting he’ll move. But I’m told they have expressed interest in the Bulldogs Josh Dunkley, who is contracted.

— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) October 18, 2020

Eddie McGuire jumped in immediately and asked co-host Luke Darcy, a Western Bulldogs great, to weigh in on the rumours before Browne added further to the speculation.

“This is coming from some sources that I know Ed, that say Josh has sounded out a couple of players on the possibility of moving to the Bombers. All of it is interest to this stage,” Browne said.

“He’s managed by Liam Pickering, I put it to Pickers he hasn’t got back to me. There’s a lot to play out, but the Bombers have got a war chest of money and they’re chasing some players.

“I can tell you they’re interested in Josh Dunkley is my understanding.”

It was then that Darcy leaned into the microphone and emphatically shutdown the rumours surrounding a potential Dunkley move.

“So are the Bulldogs interested in Josh Dunkley staying where he is,” Darcy said.

“I’ve got a creeping assumption he’s going to stay exactly where he is Tommy Browne. He’s a star Josh Dunkley, premiership player and he’s a ripping person.

“You’d be very, very reluctant to see Dunkley move anywhere. That would be a great surprise if he were anywhere apart from the Bulldogs, Tommy.”

COLLINGWOOD ENTER RACE FOR GIANTS STAR

A new club has entered the race for Cameron.

Jeremy Cameron continues to become a hot commodity on the trade market with Collingwood reportedly entering the race to secure the forwards signature.

Geelong have been the number one contender to lure Cameron away from the GWS Giants, but Channel 7 reports the Pies aren’t going to let it be a two-horse race.

The Pies have a tight salary cap with Jordan de Goey still unsigned, but rumours continue to persist over a potential trade with star midfielder Adam Treloar.

Treloar has reportedly become “incredibly frustrated” with the club after declaring he had never considered leaving.

In order for the Pies to land Cameron, a bold move would be required which could involve Treloar being shipped as part of a trade deal.

Pies midfielder, and former Cameron teammate, Taylor Adams is hopeful the club pulls out all the stops to land the 2019 Coleman Medal winner.

“If we’re lucky we’ll have the opportunity to snare him and I hope the club goes all out and does their best to get a player like Jeremy,” Adams said.

“He’s a super player, I played alongside him at the Giants and someone like him would really straighten us up in the forward line.”