Josh Dunkley has given the strongest hint yet that he plans to pledge his future to the Western Bulldogs – and it’s all about his happiness.
Dunkley’s failed trade request to Essendon two years ago is now a distant memory, with the 25-year-old midfielder falling back in love with being a Bulldog.
He is among a group of star Dogs out of contract this year, including Bailey Smith, Tim English and free agents Jack Macrae, Caleb Daniel and Bailey Dale.
Conversations are ongoing about Dunkley’s future and he didn’t go as far as Macrae, who said only weeks ago that he wanted to “retire as a Western Bulldogs player”.
But Dunkley’s bromance with former Magpie Adam Treloar has helped transform his thinking, saying his contract situation had “definitely” changed in the past two years.
“I think it’s obvious. You watch me out here and around the footy club; everyone’s really embraced me and it’s been really positive,” he said.
“I’m just happy. I was always happy – it was never an issue with that – but it’s probably more just the way that I’ve been around the footy club and they’ve really embraced me.
“(That is) the main thing and I feel a part of it, which is good.”
Treloar’s messy trade from Collingwood to the Kennel has paid dividends on-field for the Bulldogs and potentially helping retain Dunkley would be an unexpected bonus.
“Adzy has been really good for me,” he said.
“With the way things happened last year, and to be all together now; everything happens for a reason – I’m a big believer in that.”
The Bulldogs lost a close practice game to Essendon on Wednesday, and will complete their preparations for their Round 1 rematch with Melbourne against Brisbane next Friday night.
Bailey Smith (groin) and Alex Keath (back) are set to return for the Lions clash, but Tim O’Brien (hamstring) is in doubt for the season opener.
Dunkley, captain Marcus Bontempelli and coach Luke Beveridge all highlighted on Saturday the need for the Dogs to improve their connection between the midfield and their forwards.
Pre-season standout Ed Richards, the No.16 pick in the 2017 draft, will look to round out his application for Round 1 selection in the Community Series.
“Ed had shoulder surgery at the end of last year, so he’s come back in really good shape and done everything he possibly could,” Dunkley said.
“He probably didn’t have the continuity that he wanted to last year and this pre-season has been really strong for him.
“He’s really exciting for us and obviously losing ‘Woody’ (Easton Wood); we have to find another defender.”
