Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro has explained the specifics of the offer that was put forward to the Western Bulldogs for Josh Dunkley.
The Bombers pushed to land the midfielder, but the Bulldogs held firm on a player who remains contracted for a further two seasons.
Dodoro gave insight into what the Dons offered and how a third club, Collingwood, also attempted to become involved in the potential trade.
“In the end we had a direct offer with them (the Bulldogs) that had our pick 7 on the table and a future second-round selection,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“It was a very, very strong offer but at the end of the day they didn’t want to do that.
“Also another deal that Ned Guy from Collingwood worked extremely hard to put together in a three-way deal that we thought was fairly compelling as well.
“They would have landed a future first, two seconds and a third-round as well to get (Adam) Treloar for Josh. They were resolute and good on them.
“They played it extremely well. There was no problem at all with the Bulldogs.
“Contracted player and I probably would have done the same thing as well to be honest because he’s a quality person.”
Dodoro admits there are no ill feelings with the Dogs and Dunkley after the failed dealings.
“We worked really hard to try and get it done for him but unfortunately it didn’t happen,” he added.
“He’s going to have a terrific career at the Western Bulldogs and I’m sure that we can all move past this, but it is disappointing.”
Essendon managed to bring in Peter Wright (Gold Coast), Nick Hind (St Kilda) and Jye Caldwell (GWS) while remarkably strengthening their draft hand with three top-10 picks which Dodoro was delighted with.
“I think it’s a satisfying outcome for the club,” he said.
“To get 6, 7 and 8 is fairly unprecedented for us. I don’t think we’ve had a draft hand like that, so that’s really good.
“The three boys that we brought in are all targeted players.
“Pleased on that front but obviously disappointed that we weren’t able to land Josh Dunkley.”
Despite bringing in a trio of new players and landing three high draft picks, the Dons did lose Adam Saad (Carlton) and Orazio Fantasia (Port Adelaide) in the trade period while Joe Daniher joined Brisbane as a free agent.