Western Bulldogs star’s ‘interesting ride’ to AFL grand final

A Western Bulldogs star has revealed his ‘interesting ride’ to the grand final, as the side looks to repeat its 2016 premiership heroics.

Western Bulldogs star Josh Dunkley anticipates his side will enjoy similar success to its mighty 2016 campaign. Picture: Daniel Kalisz / Getty Images

After a major shoulder injury and then a two-week home quarantine period after needing his favourite eggs from his local cafe, it’s been nothing short of an “interesting” season for Western Bulldogs star Josh Dunkley.

But the 24-year-old feels like he’s finally getting back to his best footy after multiple spells on the sideline, and he’s doing it all alongside his best mate.

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Dunkley underwent shoulder surgery in April after injuring himself twice in the Bulldogs’ win over the GWS Giants in round six, and was unsure whether he’d have a big role to play in the remainder of his team’s season.

But a strong recovery period allowed the star midfielder to return to action, before a trip to a local cafe set him back a further two weeks.

“For me, it’s been an interesting ride,” Dunkley said.

“I did my shoulder, came back in pretty quick time, 12 weeks or 11 and a half weeks, which I don’t know if it’s been done before.

Josh Dunkley (left) celebrates with Adam Treloar. Picture: Michael Willson / AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I felt really good in that Gold Coast game, then I copped the two weeks’ quarantine at home.

“I really feel like I’m starting to hit my straps again and play some good footy.”

Had Dunkley got his wish, he wouldn’t have been in Bulldogs colours at the start of the season, having requested a trade away from Whitten Oval to Essendon at the end of 2020.

But staying at the club has not only allowed him the opportunity to win his second premiership in five years, it’s given him a chance to win the big dance with best mate Adam Treloar.

“It’s always interesting when you look back,” Dunkley said.

“I haven’t really thought about it too much, to be honest.

“Ever since it didn’t happen, I think I’ve just looked forward and tried to do as best as I can for the team. To be able to come back into the group and be embraced by everyone from day one of pre-season has been really important.”

Josh Dunkley returned to the pitch after shoulder surgery much quicker than he anticipated. Picture: Chris Hyde / AFL Photos via Getty Images

Dunkley is revelling in the chance to play the biggest game of his life with Treloar, who came under fire as a result of a poor performance in the Bulldogs’ semi-final against the Brisbane Lions.

But he roared back to his best against Port Adelaide, having told Dunkley he knew he needed to be better.

“It’s always hard being in the spotlight,” Dunkley said.

“To have the microscope on your team specifically, there’s always going to be things that come up and as players, you know Adsy knew that.

“He’s a very mature player, he’s been in this situation before.

“He said to me straight away post-game that he’s going to put his head down and work really hard to get back to where he wants to be.

“He did do that; the proof was in the pudding and he went out there on Saturday night and played well for us.”

Dunkley could be one of nine players from the Bulldogs’ 2016 premiership team set to chase more flag glory in this year’s historic decider in Perth.

“We‘ve just got to put our heads down and work really hard – the job’s not done yet,” Dunkley said.

“We‘ve got to train really well, get together and enjoy the moment a little bit and when it comes to game day, we’ll work really hard together and hopefully we get that (premiership).”

Originally published as Western Bulldogs star’s ‘interesting ride’ to AFL grand final