The Brisbane Lions have emerged as the third club believed to be showing interest in unsigned Bulldogs midfielder Josh Dunkley.
The 25-year-old looms as one of several high-profile players assessing their options ahead of the off-season, having held off contract talks at Whitten Oval for the time being.
While the Bulldogs have been able to retain the services of Jack Macrae, Tim English, Bailey Dale, Bailey Smith and Caleb Daniel this year, Dunkley remains yet to recommit to the club beyond 2022.
The Dogs' versatile onballer is understood to be of interest to Port Adelaide and Essendon ahead of the trade period, with the latter rekindling their hopes of securing Dunkley after moving for him in 2020.
According toย AFL Media,ย the Lions have joined the Power and Bombers in being keen suitors for Dunkley's signature this season, hoping to bolster their already star-studded midfield ensemble.
With the Lions home to the likes of Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage, Jarryd Lyons and Zac Bailey, Dunkley would move from one talent-rich engine room to another should he trade his links with the Bulldogs for a move to Brisbane.
Dunkley isn't eligible as a free agent in 2022, meaning the Lions will have to find a suitable trade deal to acquire the Dogs star.
The Lions currently hold picksย 14, 32, 43, 68 and 86 for the 2022 National Draft, along with future picks for each round of next year's draft.
Dunkley has played 113 games for the Western Bulldogs across seven seasons at the Kennel, arriving as the 25th overall selection from the 2015 National Draft.
Sharing his workload in midfield and attack, Dunkley will play an integral role in his side's hopes of securing a finals spot with two rounds to go.
The Dogs will face GWS this week before concluding their home and away campaign against the Hawks.
