Josh Dunkley's future as a Bulldog remains clouded as the AFL's trade period nears.
The premiership Dog has been speculated as a big player come October's trade window after remaining unsigned to the Western Bulldogs for 2023 for the duration of the home and away season.
Dunkley, who made his debut for the club in 2016, requested a trade to Essendon in 2020 but a deal was not able to be facilitated between the two parties. Two years on, it appears that the 25-year-old may have his eyes set on the exit doors once again.
Though he sought to join cross-town rivals Essendon back in 2020, Port Adelaide are now seemingly the interested party in obtaining Dunkley's services, with the Dog set to meet with Power officials in the coming days.
While Dunkley was born in Victoria, he does have links to South Australia, with partner Tippah Dwan playing netball for the Adelaide Thunderbirds. Speaking to 7 News, Dunkley revealed that Dawn's career would have an impact on his decision.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
“The [Bulldogs] have given a lot to me over the last seven years and I’ve loved every minute of it,” Dunkley said.
“It’s more just trying to think about my future and my life and so, yeah, a few big decisions to make over the next few days.
“Family’s always been important to me and Tippah’s obviously living in Adelaide, so we’ll have to weigh up those decisions over the next few days, as I mentioned.”
Dunkley has played 116 games for the Bulldogs across his career, including 23 in 2022 where he averaged 25.4 disposals, 6.1 tackles and 4.4 clearances per game.
The Dogs offered Dunkley a long-term contract earlier in the year which the 25-year-old is yet to accept. It has been reported that Port Adelaide's offer to lure him to South Australia trumps what has been put on the table by both the Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions.
