Western Bulldogs winger Lachie Hunter has been traded to Melbourne as part of a shock deadline-day trade.

Hunter was reported to have been weighing up his future this year despite being contracted to the club until the end of 2024.

The trade with Melbourne for Hunter has seen the Bulldogs gain a future third-round pick in parting with the wingman's services, with the Dogs also said to be paying a portion of Hunter's remaining deal.

Hunter played 173 games for the Western Bulldogs since being drafted as a father-son selection in 2012.

He joins Josh Schache in heading to Melbourne on deadline day, while defender Zaine Cordy joined St Kilda this off-season through free agency.