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Josh Dunkley’s departure from the Western Bulldogs at the end of 2023 is again under the microscope, after Dogs fans took issue with recent comments from the 26-year old about training standards at new club Brisbane.
In an interview with Lions Media, Dunkley described his new home as having ‘even better midfielders’ than at Whitten Oval, while also saying he ‘didn’t really run a lot’ at the Bulldogs compared to the Lions.
“[Pre-season training] has been a bit of a change-up for me too because we didn’t really run a lot at the Dogs – as much as we do here,” the midfielder said.
Dunkley was forced to defend himself on social media as angry Dogs fans took issue with the ‘pathetic’ comments, reiterating that he has ‘no problems at all with the club’.
However, polarising media commentator and former player Kane Cornes isn’t so sure, arguing on SEN’s Sportsday a lack of fitness at the Dogs could have been the reason for their struggles in 2022, and for Dunkley’s exit.
“I don’t fully believe him when he says he has no issues with his former club. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have tried so desperately to leave twice,” Cornes said – Dunkley previously tried to depart the Bulldogs for Essendon while under contract at the end of 2020.
“His old coach Luke Beveridge said Dunkley left only for money – I’m not sure that’s entirely accurate, either.
“The cynic in me ponders if that lack of running, according to Dunkley, at the Dogs hurt them in September.
“Was a lack of fitness the catalyst for the 43-point turnaround in 16 minutes of the 2021 Grand Final?
“Was it poor fitness that cost them in last year’s Qualifying Final against Fremantle, who came from 41 points down to win?”
Josh Dunkley during a Brisbane Lions training session. (Photo by Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Dunkley claimed the Bulldogs’ best and fairest after an excellent 2022 season, averaging over 25 disposals per match and booting a career-high 18 goals.
He played 116 games for the club after being taken in the 2015 national draft, including a premiership in his debut season in 2016.
After requesting a trade to the Lions, negotiations stalled between the two clubs, with Dunkley eventually departing in exchange for future first-, second- and third-round draft picks and a 2022 first-rounder. The Dogs also gave up two future third-round selections.
Dunkley will first take on his former teammates in Round 3 under the Thursday night lights.
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