Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro has explained the offer that he put towards the Western Bulldogs to lure midfielder Josh Dunkley across to Tullamarine.
The trade period wound up last night, with Dunkley, who is contracted until 2022, staying put at Whitten Oval next year.
Dodoro told SEN Breakfast what the Dons offered up to the Bulldogs.
“In the end we had a direct offer with them that had our pick seven on the table and a future second-round selection,” he said.
“It was a very, very strong offer but at the end of the day, they didn’t want to do that.”
Dodoro also said Collingwood tried to get involved to to facilitate a three-way trade.
“They (The Bulldogs) would have landed a future first, two seconds and a third-round as well to get (Adam) Treloar for Josh,” he said.
Western Bulldogs: “We had a lot of conversations with Essendon and were open to doing a trade if we thought it was of reasonable value to us, given how highly we rate Josh”
Bulldogs GM of List & Recruiting Sam Power on not trading Josh Dunkley#AFL #AFLTrade pic.twitter.com/3vjHlbGYGX
— aflratings.com.au (@aflratings) November 12, 2020
The Dogs were adamant from the start that they would not accept anything less than two first-round picks for Dunkley.
“They played it extremely well. There was no problem at all with the Bulldogs,” he said.
“Contracted player and I probably would have done the same thing as well to be honest because he’s a quality person.
“He’s going to have a terrific career at the Western Bulldogs… but it is disappointing.”
Essendon offered Pick 7 and future 2nd rounder for Josh Dunkley ... still overs for a bloke that can’t get into the Dogs midfield. #AFLTrade #AFLTrades
— Trev (@OnThe_Bandwagon) November 12, 2020
The Bombers did bring in Peter Wright, Nick Hind and Jye Caldwell, as well as securing three draft picks inside the top 10.
“I think it’s a satisfying outcome for the club,” Dodoro said.
“The three boys that brought in are all targeted players… to get six, seven and eight is fairly unprecedented for us. I don’t think we’ve had a draft hand like that, so that’s really good.”