Western Bulldogs star Josh Dunkley has requested a trade to Essendon, his manager Liam Pickering confirmed.
Speaking on AFL Trade Radio, Pickering revealed that a trade request had officially been submitted to the Bulldogs.
“On behalf of Josh, I have let the Bulldogs know that he’s keen to get to the Bombers,” he said on AFL Trade Radio’s Late Trade.
“The Dogs initial starting point is they’re not interested in trading him which is understandable.
“But Josh is pretty keen to get to Essendon, so it’s up to the club to get together and see if they can change the Dogs’ opinion and see if they can get somewhere worthwhile to make it happen.
“I spoke to Sam Power and explained Josh’s situation and he explained that they’re not keen to do it and that he's a required player.
“I explained that he wants to go to the Bombers and now it’s up to Essendon and the Bulldogs to get together.”
Given he is contracted at the Bulldogs another two seasons, Essendon's ability to come up with an appeasing trade package could yet hold up the move.
Dunkley has been tabled a multi-year offer from the Bombers and promised more midfield time.
The 23-year old has played 78 AFL games for the Bulldogs after making his debut in 2016, winning a premiership in his first season.