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What Port should give up for Dunkley and the “big issue” surrounding Fantasia

2022-08-04T11:04+10:00

Port Adelaide remains linked with Western Bulldogs midfielder Josh Dunkley.

The out-of-contract 25-year-old is yet to re-commit to the Bulldogs who have reportedly offered him a long-term deal.

Dunkley is on the radar of the Power, but what would they have to give up to get him to Alberton?

Matt Rendell speculated about what would be a fair trade for the 112-game premiership Dog.

“Dunkley has been talked about a lot,” Rendell said on SEN SA’s The Run Home.

“I think Dunkley is a good pick if they can get him, but I wouldn’t be offering any more than a second-round (pick).

“They (the Dogs) wanted two first (rounders) off Essendon a couple of years ago.

“Dunkley is out of contract, so Port can walk him to the pre-season (draft) if they want. They won’t want to.”

There are plenty of clubs who are reportedly keen on Dunkley with Adelaide and Port as well as big Victorian clubs showing interest.

While Dunkley would provide plenty of midfield depth for Port, a position they need strengthening is in the area of the small forward.

With Robbie Gray nearing the end, Connor Rozee flourishing as a midfielder and Steven Motlop retiring this week, it heaps pressure on the often injured Orazio Fantasia.

Rendell says the situation presents as an problem for the Power.

“Fantasia is the big issue here,” he added.

“He hasn’t played hardly for four years. At his best, he makes Port so much better.

“With Gray probably close to retirement, Rozee playing in the midfield and Motlop retiring, their small forwards have gone from a big group to virtually none overnight.

“That’s their big issue, small forwards. Can they get Fantasia up?

“I’d be trying to find another one. Most of the good clubs have got a couple there.

“The rest of the balance of their team looks great to me.”

The Run Home co-host Kym Dillon indicated that a small forward at this year’s draft is well within the sights of Port, but stopped short of naming who they may be interested in.

“I’m hearing they’ve got their eyes on someone in the upcoming draft in terms of a small forward,” he added.

The Power, who are now highly unlikely to make the finals, host ninth-placed Richmond at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

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