Former Melbourne midfielder Kyle Dunkley has linked up with Mornington Peninsula league club Sorrento for the back-end of the 2022 season.

Dunkley is currently tied to standalone VFL side the Northern Bullants this year and will join Sorrento from the Murray Football League, where he was tied with Barooga.

The 22-year-old played five matches and booted three goals for the Demons after joining the club through the 2019 Mid-Season Draft, remaining at the club until the end of 2020.

Dunkley has since featured for Essendon's VFL side and was considered by the Bombers as a potential recruit before injury hampered his chances of an AFL lifeline.

The Gippsland product ventured to the Bullants for this season and has played a majority of his footy at Preston City Oval, where he has averaged 15.8 disposals, 4.1 marks and 4.7 inside 50s per game.

His latest outing came in early June against Brisbane, having battled a thumb injury and requiring subsequent surgery.

Despite the setback, which will see Dunkley out of action for the coming weeks, Sorrento are keen to inject the ball-winner into their squad as they push for a finals finish in Division 1 of the MPNFL.

READ: “I was in a bit of an average place”: Ex-Demon still daring to dream

“He’s got another three weeks before he plays again,’’ Sorrento coach Leigh Poholke told News Corp. 

“And then whether it’s with us or his VFL side the Bullants, well, it’s to be confirmed.

“You’d think after seven or eight weeks, I don’t know, they might have him straight back in but that’s a long time without footy to bring someone straight into the VFL system. But again, I don’t know.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 14: Kyle Dunkley of the Demons and brother Josh Dunkley of the Bulldogs embrace after the 2019 AFL round 17 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Melbourne Demons at Marvel Stadium on July 14, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“It’s just a nice place for him to call home for a little while.’

“We’re hopeful for next season but it’s a good start to build a relationship, get to know him and for him to get to know us…for a place for him to call home while he plays VFL.

“He might get a crack at AFL again. If he doesn’t then hopefully he can call Sorrento home.’’

Sorrento are currently third on the MPFNL top division ladder after 11 matches, 12 premiership points behind ladder leaders Frankston YCW.

The Sharks will face Edithvale-Aspendale this Saturday at Regents Park, the first of their final seven matches of the home and away season.