Western Bulldogs gun Josh Dunkley’s call on his future looms as all three clubs pursuing the midfielder’s signature are now officially out of the premiership race.
Brisbane crashed out of the post-season in a 71-point preliminary final loss to Geelong as the Lions now prepare for a busy off-season including their pursuit of Dunkley along with Port Adelaide and his current club.
The Queensland-based team is also looking to secure father-son pair Will Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher in the draft, which complicates its play for Dunkley given the Dogs would likely command at least one first-round pick in a trade.
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Ashcroft could receive a bid with Pick 1 and Fletcher in the top 20, while the Lions currently hold selections 14, 33, 44 and 69.
Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph revealed on Fox Footy that all three clubs are still in the dark regarding Dunkley’s decision, but questioned how the Lions could pull off the move given their father-son plans.
“Josh Dunkley, they’re waiting on him. They haven‘t got any real optimism that he will stay,” Ralph said.
“Certainly the Western Bulldog still think he’s a chance to stay – Port Adelaide are in the race too. I don’t think there’s a strong favourite at this stage
“If they (Brisbane) can get Dunkley in – they’d have to give up a couple of first rounders for him and it’s a lot of outlay in terms of picks. Not sure how they’d do that.
“Lots of movement at the station for the Lions as they work back from a disappointing preliminary final loss.”
Dunkley said earlier this moth the prospect of moving closer to family would play a role in his call. His partner, Tippah Dwan, plays for the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the Suncorp Super Netball competition, however his sister, Lara, is a member of the Queensland Firebirds.
It comes amid suggestions Dunkley could be headed north given how long it’s taking him to reach a decision while the Lions were the last remaining suitor active this season prior to Friday night’s result.
“As of Wednesday morning, the Lions are very comfortable with where their conversations are at,” senior AFL Media journalist Damian Barrett said at this week’s AFL Trade Radio launch.
“We do sometimes at this stage in these periods put two and two together – and the fact that they‘re still alive in the finals and the other destination potentially is Port Adelaide and they’ve been out of action for some time and there’s been no announcement publicly, I think it allows us to think that it’s at least line ball from that perspective.”
The Age reported earlier this month Port’s offer was “considered more attractive” than Brisbane’s, and there’s belief from rival clubs he’s a strong chance to look for a fresh start elsewhere after sitting on a long-term contract offer from the Dogs for months.
Herald Sun reporter Jay Clark revealed clubs are growing more anxious for Dunkley’s impending decision.
“Clubs are starting to get a little bit twitchy for an answer, they would like him to move things on,” Clark said on Triple M.
“Brisbane would love to add another powerful force, another strong body to their midfield. Give Lachie Neale and Hugh McCluggage another Robin to their Batman.”
As the 25-year old Dunkley doesn’t qualify for free agency, he’d need to be acquired via trade.
