From the very beginning of the 2021 season, Luke Dunstan's back was against the wall. On the outer from week one after only the one game in 2020, Dunstan was forced to dominate in the reserves to earn his way back into the starting 22.
Dunstan only managed the one game through the first 10 rounds of the 2021 season, with the Saints adamant that Dunstan would spend the remainder of his contract year in the reserves. According to Saints champion Nick Dal Santo, the Saints โto put it bluntly didnโt want him to playโ at AFL level.
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Clearly a pill the midfielder wasn't ready to swallow, Dunstan banged down the selection door, taking advantage of the mounting injury list and the Saints' disappointing start to the season.
Averaging 37 disposals and two goals a game over a four-game stretch for Sandringham, Dunstan earned his way back into the side to be a shining light for the Saints in what was a difficult season.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Solidifying his spot in the side in the Saints' Round 12 upset win over the reigning premiers in Richmond with 32 disposals (17 contested) and a goal, Dunstan worked his magic and looked to have done enough to earn another contract at the Saints.
Despite performing on a week-to-week basis however, the Saints dropped the contested bull for their final round match against the Dockers in Launceston, all but underlying what looked to be the inevitable outcome.
Despite ranking in the top 30 in the competition for contested possessions per game, the club last Wednesday confirmed all speculation with the decision to not offer Dunstan with another contract past 2021. The 26-year-old is now without a home for 2022.
With this in mind, we've listed FIVE potential landing spots the gun onballer could find himself in 2022.
5. Adelaide Crows
Lastly, a move back home might be exactly what the doctor ordered for Dunstan, who was drafted by the Saints in 2013 from the Woodville-West Torrens Football Club in the SANFL.
Adelaide have compiled a nice list that has a lot of promise for the future. Ben Keays is emerging as one of the competition's up and coming stars, whilst their is young talent starting to find their feet in every position.
Led by the likes of captain Rory Sloane and Rory Laird in the middle, another spot will open up in the middle in 2022 as the Crows start to shop around ball-magnet Matt Crouch.
Crouch missed the entirety of the 2021 season with several groin injuries, sitting alongside Sloane who was forced to deal with injuries of his own.
Despite dealing with a pectoral injury in 2020 that heavily contributed to his inability to work his way back into the side, Dunstan has been a largely healthy player that has been available for large chunks of his career.
A player of Dunstan's skillset would be a highly valuable asset for the Crows who need a consistent presence in their centre set-up.
At Dunstan's best, he can be the perfect complimentary piece for Keays, Sloane and Laird. He can get the football from deep in the trenches and facilitate the others who can use the ball from the outside, similarly to Tom Liberatore's role at the Bulldogs.
Adelaide have started to build a list that can grow into top eight contenders in the coming years and the addition of Dunstan can not only majorly contribute in their pursuit but also be around for the long haul.
