Josh Dunkley’s manager Liam Pickering says his client is a “little bit flat” after his failed trade request to Essendon.
The star Western Bulldogs on-baller recently signalled his intention to leave Whitten Oval, despite having two years left on his current contract.
The Dogs went public with their desire to keep Dunkley and only trade him for two first round draft picks, a price which the Bombers weren’t prepared to pay.
Pickering said he was disappointed for Dunkley, but understood the nature of footy meant some trade requests don’t materialise into moves.
“He’s a little bit flat, but he’s a little bit better now than he was on Thursday night (after the move to Essendon fell through),” he said on SEN Drive.
“That’s footy, you go through a trade period like this and the deal doesn’t happen … he was hoping to make the move, but you can’t always get what you want in footy.
Pickering admitted that all parties – including himself personally - were involved in the dying stages of the Trade Period to try and sort out a suitable agreement which saw Dunkley head to Tullamarine.
“Everyone is involved and trying to negotiate an outcome,” he said.
“Essendon put their best scenario to the Bulldogs and that wasn’t enough to get it over the line. To be fair, the Dogs put a heavy price on Josh (Dunkley) because they rate him highly and he has two years left on his deal.
“At the end of the day, Essendon weren’t able to finalise a deal and (Western Bulldogs list manager) Sam Power held his ground and he had every right to as well.
“It is disappointing for the player as he wanted to leave.”
While holding onto Dunkley, the Bulldogs were able to pull off the stunning coup of luring former Collingwood midfielder Adam Treloar to the club in a deal which was only finalised in the final minute of the Trade Period.
Despite the failed trade request, Pickering backed Dunkley to “force his way” back into the club’s star-studded midfield group.
“He’ll force his way into the midfield,” he said.
“He’s a terrific player, the move to Essendon would’ve seen him get more midfield minutes there, but he’s going to have to play good footy as he knows and he’s prepared to do.
“He’ll be fine and he’ll work with the Bulldogs for sure.”