Why Bulldogs star Josh Dunkley is eyeing a move to Essendon next year

After reports emerged Bulldogs star Josh Dunkley was eyeing a rival club, the reason for his potential departure has been revealed.

Josh Dunkley of the Bulldogs.

Western Bulldogs star Josh Dunkley is reportedly hoping to join the Essendon Bombers in 2021 due to a disagreement about his best position.

Despite being contracted with the Bulldogs until the end of the 2022 premiership, Triple M’s Tom Browne last week revealed Essendon were targeting the talented 23-year-old.

Speaking on Fox Sports News’ AFL Tonight, Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph revealed Dunkley had become frustrated with how he was being managed at the Bulldogs.

“During the single final, he played only 30 per cent of game time in the midfield. I think he just feels he doesn’t want to be playing at half-forward, he doesn’t want to be playing in the ruck,” Ralph said on Monday evening.

“He got hit-outs in seven of the 12 games, he’s been pushed to a wing at times. In that amazing year last year when he had 650 possessions he was played mostly in the midfield.”

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After averaging 28.3 disposals per game as a midfielder last year, Dunkley could only muster 18.3 per match during the 2020 season, where he was primarily used as a ruckman.

Despite the reports, Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains defiantly told Seven News: “It’s not happening. He’s not going anywhere.”

Josh Dunkley of the Bulldogs.

Although the Bulldogs have denied Dunkley will be traded, Ralph warned the club might have a change of heart.

“I think if it is that he’s to launch a trade request in coming days, certainly the Western Bulldogs are going to decide if they’re going to blink first,” Ralph said.

“There’s been a lot of clubs that have said no we’re not allowing this bloke to be traded and then relented at a minute to midnight.”

Speaking on AFL Trade Radio, former Collingwood recruiter Matt Rendell also suggested the trade is inevitable.

“I assume that he’s had discussions with (Bulldogs coach Josh Dunkley) and the hierarchy there already. He surely has because this has got too much momentum. Clearly it’s in play,” Rendell said on Tuesday.

“The Bulldogs wouldn’t want to lose him but if they get a good deal for it, I think they’ll probably let it happen.

“I think you might find this will be a deal that gets done.”

SEN’s Sam Edmund reported Essendon had offered Dunkley a lucrative four-year contract worth approximately $650,000-700,000 a season.

Dunkley has played 78 games with the Bulldogs since making his AFL debut in 2016.

Meanwhile, Essendon are also reportedly interested in signing Gold Coast forward Peter Wright.

The 24-year-old is contracted at Gold Coast for two more years, but has found himself outside the Sun’s best 22 after an underwhelming 2019 season.

However, with the Bombers almost certain to lose Joe Daniher, Wright is being considered as a potential replacement.

Peter Wright of the Suns.

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Crocmedia reporter Sam Edmund told SEN: “It hasn’t been raging interest for him … with Will Brodie as well, the Gold Coast Suns are hoping to move both of those contracted guys on.

“Essendon has an interest, but to what degree I’m not too sure and I’m not sure the Suns know either.

“He fits into that discussion on list sizes – the Bombers have sort of interest there.”