Out-of-contract Western Bulldog Josh Dunkley is attracting plenty of attention from rival clubs as those at Whitten Oval turn their attention to acquiring the signature of the 25-year-old.
Dunkley has played all 108 of his AFL games at the Bulldogs, despite requesting a trade to Essendon at the conclusion of the 2020 season, a trade in which the Bulldogs did not facilitate.
A member of both the 2016 premiership winning side and 2021's grand final team, Dunkley has grown into a valuable piece of the Dogs puzzle, with the club now set to focus on finalising a new deal.
Per reports from AFL Mediaโsย Callum Twomey, the Bulldogs are now keen to lock down Dunkley for the future after recent re-signings of Caleb Daniel, Tim English and Bailey Dale.
โThe attention now is squarely on Josh Dunkley at the Bulldogs, who is out of contract and has had offers there from the club for a while to take up. Heโs put that decision off but itโs reaching the time now where heโll have to make a call pretty soon,โ Twomey said onย SEN Breakfast.
โIโm sure the Bombers will ask the question again, but there are other clubs also watching that one closely.
โSo far the Dogs have managed to tick off all their priorities, Dunkley is now is the next big one.โ
Dunkley has played all 15 games for the Bulldogs so far this season, averaging 25.9 disposals, 5.6 tackles and 3.8 clearances per game. With free agency status approaching, it has been reported that rival clubs, like Essendon and those in South Australia, are keeping a close eye on dealings between Dunkley and the Dogs.
โHeโs a year out of being a free agent so he canโt move without a trade being done. We know two years again the Bombers werenโt willing to offer two first-round picks to grab him,โ Twomey said.
โHis value isnโt at that level anymore given heโs out of contract now.โ
Dunkley finished Thursday night's 41-point loss to the Lions with 27 disposals and five clearances.
The Bulldogs next face Sydney on Friday night in Round 17 as they fight to keep their finals chances alive.
