Josh Dunkley is continuing to attract rival interest as the Western Bulldogs chase his signature, with the club prioritising the re-signing of the out-of-contract star.ย
The 25-year-old has put together an excellent 2022 season averaging 25.5 disposals, 5.7 tackles and 14.9 uncontested possessions, featuring in all 22 games for the red, white, and blue.
While the Bulldogs remain confident in the consistent ball-winner staying, this isn't the first time his name has been mentioned during trade season.
In 2020, Dunkley requested a trade to Essendon in hopes of playing more midfield minutes with the Bombers offering him a lengthy four-year contract.
But the deal didn't go ahead after the Bulldogs declined the Bombers' offer of pick seven and a future second-round pick, instead demanding two first-round picks.
While he has again been linked with a departure from the Kennel, AFL Media's Callum Twomey has said the club has a deal on the table for Dunkley.
"They have a long-term offer in front of him. This one's gone pretty slowly, you could say since the end of 2020," Twomey said.ย
"There's been attempts to re-sign him throughout the past 12 months, and they have been keen to do that.
"He's held, he's held off. There's talks, discussions there, but still no call and there won't be a call until the Dogs finish their season which could be next week (Saturday night against Fremantle) or a couple of weeks time."
Dunkley is attracting interest from interstate with both Port Adelaide and Brisbane interested in acquiring the 2016 premiership player, according to Twomey.ย ย
"Port Adelaide definitely in the market place for him, they're interested and Brisbane have certainly shown some interest as well. I think of he was to leave the Bulldogs, Port Adelaide would be the more likely destination, but he's still a chance to stay at the Dogs as well," Twomey said.
Dunkley has played 115 games for the Western Bulldogs since being taken with pick 25 in the 2015 AFL draft from the Gippsland Power.
