As Richmond steamrolled to another premiership on Saturday, putting an end to a season like no other, many teams were already planning their 2021 campaign.
Lists were being made of players that other teams deemed gettable and at the top of Essendon’s was Josh Dunkley.
A premiership player for the Western Bulldogs in 2016, Dunkley used to play predominately as a forward but made the shift into the middle last year with devastating effect, averaging 28 disposals, five clearances and six tackles per game.
He was then nominated to the All Australian team of 40.
This year has been injury interrupted, he only played 12 games and his averages were way down, also because he was shifted around again, spending more time up forward and in the ruck.
It’s most likely because of this shuffling that he is interested in a move to Essendon – it’s no big secret that Dunkley wants to be a permanent midfielder and the Bombers can offer him that assurance, while at the Dogs he’ll be behind young gun Bailey Smith and Tom Liberatore.
It has also come out that the Dons have offered him more money and are willing to get Josh’s brother, Kyle, at the club after the latter was delisted by Melbourne.
This is despite the shrinking list sizes that all clubs face and it seems that Josh has indicated he is keen to move. It makes sense that he would, more money, more midfield time and the opportunity to play with his brother are all good incentives.
But the fact remains, he is contracted for another two years at the Bulldogs and they so far have firmly said no to any trade.
This is not like the Jake Stringer situation, where the Bulldogs said they didn’t want him. There has been no sign of bad blood between Dunkley and his current club but the Dogs could still turn this into a win-win situation for everyone should they consider a trade.
The Dogs want draft picks. Essendon currently cannot trade their first-round pick this year or the next due to their trading over the last two years under AFL rules, but they have three players on the move.
While a trade for Orazio Fantasia will not get them anything more than a second-round pick, Essendon already have pick 6 – if they were to get two first-round picks from Adam Saad and Joe Daniher respectively, they could use that to trade for Dunkley.
Is it too much? If he were uncontracted, probably, but the Bombers really want him and the Bulldogs really don’t want to let him go. It would take a big offer like that to sway the Dogs to allow the trade to go through and it is possible that they would send something late back the other way as a sweetener.
The pick would help the Bulldogs draft their academy prospect Jamar Ugle-Hagan and still give them another opportunity early on in the draft and Essendon get their man.
Should the Dogs go the other way and not give in to a trade, it is not inconceivable that Dunkley plays out his contract, however if they want Dunkley to stay beyond the next two years, they need to start making some changes to the way they are playing him.
Essendon have a lot to work through this trade period and this is only one piece of their 2020 puzzle, but it would be a big one if they can make it happen.
Cam
Guest
this one is really simple for Essendon... take what you paid GWS for Dylan Shiel and up it to get the Bulldogs to budge. Dunkley garanteed to continue his trajectory as a gun midfield bull... while Shiel has been somewhat underwhelming. Everyone can stop speculating on deals that seem fair for Dunkley because ‘fair’ isn’t going to make the Bulldogs blink. they need massive overs
berrlins
Roar Pro
aflcentral on Instagram posted a short clip of an interview Bont did.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Where did you read that Berrlins? Bont has to tow the company line but you'd have to presume he's spoken to Dunkley.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
It is if Essendon are only willing to draft Kyle if Josh comes over.
berrlins
Roar Pro
The Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli reckons Dunkley isn't going anywhere. Maybe it means little but read of it what you will.
berrlins
Roar Pro
I didn't know Brisbane used Lyons brother.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
I personally think that the Bulldogs screwed up big time when passing over Darcy Macpherson, son of Super Macpherson, in 2015. Of course, it's history that the Dogs juggernaught won the 2016 flag, but Darcy might have been part of that success given the injury toll and the VFL flag as well. As of right now, the Dogs don't have list spots or draft picks to match a bid on Ewan Macpherson if it comes. Given the surplus of midfielders, perhaps trading out Josh Dunkley is the best way to collect enough points to have a viable draft. What would you make of a deal involving Darcy Macpherson, pick #5 and a further swap of picks to benefit both clubs, such as #12 coming back to the Suns with Dunkley and #24 and #33 going to the Dogs? WB gets 2 Father Sons and points for JUH, Suns consolidate draft picks to get an A-Grader and mid 1st round pick. Win-win.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
Brisbane lured Jarryd Lyons up the M1 to the Gabba with the promise of playing with his younger brother, Corey, who they were going to delist. Then they did delist him and re-rookied him, and now they've delisted Corey Lyons yet again. The Suns were also trying to get Mav Weller back to the GC last year, but Richmond turned his head and it never happened. They also fluffed an opportunity for Andrew Swallow to be picked up in the rookie draft, but ended up signing him as a part-time coach and he played several NEAFL games wearing David's jumper. Jordan Murdoch's brother, Brodie, plays for Southport after being delisted by the Saints, but it's more likely that Jordan finishes with the Suns at the end of 2021 and he continues with Southport than GCS suddenly adding Brodie to their rookie list. The Suns have no luck with brothers. Please, Dunkleys, come to Queensland. We'll sign you both!!! Dogs, you can have pick #5.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
It isn't blackmail though, emotional or not. The Bombers wouldn't be able to draft Kyle until the Rookie Draft anyway because they aren't going to give up a Senior List spot. Probably the smartest thing the Bombers could do would be to draft Kyle no matter what and lay the bait for Josh for as long as little bro can hold up his end of the bargain by playing decent footy. I just wish the Suns would put in a counteroffer for the Dunkleys, then both Josh and Kyle could join their sister in Queensland. Hooray! Kumbaya!!
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
Because Carlton and Essendon are involved, the whole thing will end up being a cluster#*@&.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
I think you have a point, but you're also contradicting yourself. The Dogs don't want to trade Dunkley at all, however, JUH will cost them so many Draft Points that their 2021 first round pick is currently in danger of sliding to the end of the first round if they make finals again. So, in this case, WB very much care about Essendon's draft picks. As you've pointed out, the Dogs need to trade out of pick #12 to collect more points, but they'll also be wanting the best pick they can get from Essendon and getting chump change isn't going to cut it. At the end of the day, the Dogs can use this to get back into the 2020 draft and may even wind up with the ability to pick another player besides JUH, although with only 1 player retiring and no delistings yet, the Dogs aren't presently in the market for anyone outside of their NGA wunderkind.
2dogz
Roar Rookie
I just employ pies and tigers supporters to mow them. :silly:
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Yeah, but then have to be mowed.
2dogz
Roar Rookie
The lawns look different when they’re green!
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Had a fair bit of rain the past 2 days. Had to drain a lot of water out of the pool.
2dogz
Roar Rookie
Col, I hope you’re not getting smashed by storms. The light show is awesome here though
2dogz
Roar Rookie
Is she still kicking 3 a week in the Magoos? :happy:
2dogz
Roar Rookie
Bit of pressure on him now with the whole situation. Publicity and the way the Bombers are at the moment. Could be his last year or best year
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
No way.
Kane
Roar Rookie
You would've drafted Gazz's grandmother back then if it meant getting him to the club.