Essendon’s bid to lure Western Bulldogs midfielder Josh Dunkley away from the Whitten Oval is set to run the length of the AFL trade period.
The Bombers and Bulldogs are in a tug-of-war for Dunkley, who has played 78 AFL games after debuting in his club’s drought-breaking premiership season of 2016.
Bombers list manager Adrian Dodoro says the situation with Dunkley is “awkward” because the premiership hero is contracted until the end of the 2022 season.
The 23-year-old is determined to head to Tullamarine as he seeks a permanent role in the midfield after being shuffled around in different positions this year.
“We do have an interest in Josh but we respect the fact he’s got a two-year contract with the Bulldogs to go,” Dodoro told AFL Trade Radio.
“We’ve had some preliminary chats with the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are pretty resolute they want to keep Josh and we respect that.
“The Bulldogs hold the whip-hand with this one. We’re certainly asking the question and we certainly will over the entirety of the trade period.”
The Bulldogs have been willing to let several high-profile players go in recent seasons, including Jake Stringer and Luke Dahlhaus, but they are not keen on adding Dunkley to that list.
“Josh is someone we see being at this football club for a long period of time. He’s someone we want to keep at this football club,” Bulldogs list boss Sam Power said.
“We’ve had conversations with him over the last few weeks, just reiterating how important he is to us and that we see him here as a long-term player.”
Meanwhile, Dodoro stated pick eight would be a “fair deal” if the Bombers are to trade defender Adam Saad to Carlton.
The speedy halfback has requested a trade to the Bombers’ arch-rivals after three seasons at Essendon.
“Carlton aren’t being unreasonable. We’re discussing certain elements of that trade and I’m sure it will be done,” Dodoro said.
Injury-plagued forward Orazio Fantasia has told Essendon he wants a move to Port Adelaide but Dodoro says the club are reluctant to lose more speedy players.
“There’s a real hesitation to lose another one. If something’s on the table we think is fair then we’re more than happy to talk,” he said.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
He hadn't when I wrote that comment...
CharlieB
Roar Rookie
Stands in the pocket flapping his arms like a seagull because the players up the field ignore him. Yes I'd be salty if it was happening at my team
Pete from Sydney
Guest
yet another salty "football fan"
CharlieB
Roar Rookie
How's Stringer going? Worsfold also said he was brought in to play in midfield
Charles B
Guest
How's Stringer going? Worsfold said he was brought in to play in the centre
Pete from Sydney
Guest
Jesus Dougie no chance the bloke wants to move? that's what he's saying...arrogant or just your anti Essendon bias?
Pete from Sydney
Guest
Really? Dunkley has said he wants to go...I'd suggest that if the player says it, it's possibly true...Essendon bias aside.
Pete from Brunswick
Guest
yes he has
James
Guest
I would suggest the rumours about Dunkley being unhappy with the professionalism at dogs is made by Durudro and feed thorough his mates in the media. This isn't about Dunkley, its about Durudro. A snake in the grass.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
That about sums it up. Everything else is crap made up by the media. Dunkley hasn't actually said he wants out, just that he's considering the offer, which is the prudent thing to do. And of course he's not going to come out and say he's committed to the Dogs - that would take his leverage with the Dogs away. He's playing this perfectly; either way you'd expect that he can earn himself a pay rise.
DEESNUTSRBIG
Guest
Why doesn't Dodudro accept Carltons 2021 1st round pick for Saad (fair deal) and speed up the process? Bulldogs don't want early picks this year being eaten up by points anyway.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Hardly a tug of war. Arrogant Essendon are using the media to make it sound like a fait accomplit, but Dunkley still has two more years of his contract, is only enticed by the extra money (I mean seriously, who would want to go to Essendon for any other reason at the moment?) and the Bulldogs are saying no, back in your hole Bombers.