Josh Dunkley and Bailey Smith during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Both South Australian clubs are understood to be showing some level of interest in Western Bulldogs midfielder Josh Dunkley this year.

Dunkley is among a bevy of star Bulldogs yet to recommit to Whitten Oval for the 2023 season, with the likes of Tim English, Bailey Dale, Caleb Daniel, Jason Johannisen, Toby McLean and Bailey Smith currently unsigned.

The Dogs were able to secure the services of ball-magnet Jack Macrae earlier this year to a deal keeping the onballer at the Kennel until 2027, however list boss Sam Power continues to have a tough task ahead of him this year.

Both Daniel and English are expected to re-sign this season, with the former turning his back on free agency should he extend his stay in blue, white and red.

English has been linked to a return to his home state of Western Australia in recent months, but has been rumoured to be nearing a new deal with the Bulldogs.

Dunkley, who has previously spoken on placing a focus on football over contract discussions, famously failed to land a move to Essendon in 2020 after requesting a trade to Tullamarine.

Now coming to the end of his contract with the Dogs, clubs are reportedly beginning to show interest once again.

According to 7 News' Mitch Cleary, both South Australian sides Adelaide and Port Adelaide are "keeping tabs" on the 25-year-old given his partner, Tippah Dwan, plays for the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

"At the Dogs, Caleb Daniel and Tim English are set to stay," Cleary said on Friday night.

"But there's no movement on a new deal for Josh Dunkley just yet.

"The Adelaide clubs keeping tabs on him given his girlfriend plays netball in the state."

Dunkley has played 105 games for the Bulldogs since making his debut in 2016, emerging as a versatile midfielder across his time at the club.

This season, Dunkley is averaging 25.7 disposals, 5.8 tackles, 7.3 marks and 3.6 clearances per game and has booted 10 goals in sharing his duties across all three lines of the field.