Western Bulldogs are not going to trade contracted on-baller Josh Dunkley to Essendon for anything less than two first-round draft picks, according to SEN Chief Sports Reporter Sam Edmund.
The 23-year-old formally requested a trade to the Bombers last week, with both clubs currently locked in talks over a potential deal ahead of Thursday night’s Trade Period deadline.
Edmund now believes the Dunkley situation is the most intriguing potential trade remaining, with the Dogs remaining adamant they won’t budge on their demands for the midfielder.
“For me this is now the most interesting trade in the works,” he said on AFL Trade Radio’s Trade Afternoons.
“Having spoken to both clubs at length over the last few days, it is hard to see how Josh Dunkley can get to Essendon if both sides live up to what they’re saying.
“Essendon has been offering them pick eight and the Dogs aren’t having any of that one iota, they simply do not want to lose him.
“The market value is what the Dogs say it is because they don’t want to lose him and it’s not posturing – the market value is what they say it is.
“The club is aligned from the board all the way down, in that regardless of what happens that if you don’t get what they want, Josh Dunkley will be staying at the Western Bulldogs. And that is two first-round draft picks.
“That will get them into the conversation, two high first-round draft picks this year or one this year and a future first.
“That’s what the Dogs want and they don’t want to lose him and they can’t see Dunkley kicking up a stink, they’re in regular contact with him and they know he’s not going to be one to force the issue.”
Dunkley, who is contracted to the Bulldogs until the end of 2022, is interested in a move to Tullamarine as he eyes more midfield time.
He played 12 games this season, averaging 18 touches and six tackles.