This was published 2 years ago
Dog wants out: Dunkley requests trade to Brisbane
By Jon Pierik
The Western Bulldogs have issued a terse response to Josh Dunkley, after the star midfielder spurned a five-year offer from the club and requested a trade to the Brisbane Lions.
The Bulldogs confirmed on Monday that Dunkley, a premiership player in 2016, had also rejected a bid from Port Adelaide, and will seek a move to the Lions on a six-year deal worth more than $4 million. Dunkley’s sister lives in Brisbane.
Josh Dunkley has requested a trade to the Brisbane Lions.Credit: AFL Photos
Essendon had failed in their bid to lure the robust midfielder during the 2020 trade period.
Dunkley, 25, played 116 games for the Bulldogs, including 23 this year - and the club had hoped he would sign a new deal. His decision left the Bulldogs, including Sam Power, the club’s list and recruiting boss, frustrated.
“Josh has indicated to the club he is seeking to continue his career in Brisbane. Josh has been weighing up this decision for some time and this news is, obviously, disappointing for the club,” Power said.
“We believe Josh is at the peak of his powers in a football sense having had a career-best season in 2022, averaging 25 disposals and kicking 18 goals across the campaign. The club was clearly intent on Josh staying with the Bulldogs, having tabled an attractive contract offer for him to continue with us for the long term.
“Given we have only learned the news this morning, we will take some time to work through the club’s options leading into the trade period.”
Dunkley had formed a great friendship with fellow midfielder Adam Treloar, after the latter had all but been forced out of the Magpies during a tumultuous 2020 trade period.
The Lions have pick No.15 in the national draft and will need to provide the Bulldogs with a strong deal, perhaps using future selections.
Chris Fagan’s team will also have even greater midfield depth next season when Will Ashcroft, a father-son prospect who could go No.1, is taken in the national draft on a four-year contract.
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