Bulldogs dig in as Dunkley ponders deal from Essendon

JOSH Dunkley’s diminishing onball time, including an elimination final where he played only 30 per cent in the midfield this year, is a key aspect of his dalliance with Essendon.

The Western Bulldogs midforward was in Noosa at the weekend considering his future, with the Dogs emphatic they will not trade him.

Chief executive Ameet Bains has made clear the Dogs will hold Dunkley to his contract, even if he officially declares a trade in coming days.

Over the entire season Dunkley played 14 per cent on the wing, 43 per cent in the midfield and 43 per cent as a small forward.

But in the final he played 70 per cent forward and attended only five centre-bounces in a 13-possession, one-goal game.

Dunkley was in the All Australian 40 and was the vicecaptain of the AFLPA Under22 side last year but missed the top 10 in the club’s best-andfairest this year after playing just 12 games because of injury.

He also recorded hit-outs in seven of his dozen games as coach Luke Beveridge often played him as a ruckman while Tim English pushed forward.

Such tactical tweaks are why Beveridge is renowned as a quality match-day coach but not all players want to be pushed from the midfield when their form there is so strong.

Dunkley is still rated elite for disposals, contested possessions, scoreboard impact and pressure but averaged only 18 possessions this year, down from 28 last year. His brother Josh could be part of a package deal at Essendon after he was delisted by the Demons, who took him in last year’s midseason draft.

A five-season offer at Essendon has given him much to consider as next Wednesday’s trade period approaches.