New Lion Josh Dunkley has admitted a lifestyle change was the key factor behind leaving the Western Bulldogs.
Dunkley departs the Western Bulldogs after seven seasons at the club that culminated in a best and fairest in 2022 to cap off the 25-year-old’s best season at the top level to date.
He was forced to wait until the final half hour of the trade period with Brisbane and the Bulldogs in a trade standoff but said he received a call from manager Liam Pickering 15 minutes before the deadline to confirm the trade was done.
When asked why he chose to leave the Dogs instead of renewing his contract, Dunkley stated the chance to move to Queensland – where his partner Tippah is from – was too good to pass up.
“I’ve had a great time at the Western Bulldogs, I've achieved some ultimate highs and been through some tough times with injuries too,” he told Sportsday.
“For me, it was more a lifestyle choice and the opportunity to move north. My partner Tippah is from Queensland, so that’s where we sort of see ourselves settling in.
“She’s now playing netball in Adelaide but once she’s done in Adelaide playing netball, we’ll move up there and settle down with a family I think.
“It’s a good opportunity to move up now and build the foundations, but also I think the footy opportunity comes with it as well.
“They’ve built such a great list. I’m really excited to be able to play in the midfield and play my role for a team and hopefully have some success as well.”
Dunkley had also attracted significant interest from Port Adelaide, who reportedly believed they were in the box seat to secure the midfielder’s signature.
But a strong initial relationship with Chris Fagan was one of the aspects that sealed the deal.
“It was more around the team and the way I fit in,” Dunkley responded when asked why he chose the Lions over other interstate teams.
“The lifestyle was obviously there... but at the same time, I’ve built a really good relationship with Chris Fagan and Dom (Ambrogio) the list manager.
“That’s not to say I didn’t have a good relationship elsewhere with Port Adelaide and the likes and even at the Dogs, so I thought it was a great opportunity for me that I couldn’t really pass up.”
Dunkley averaged 25.4 touches and just under a goal per game in 2022 and added he was “honoured” to be able to play alongside Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale next year.
The former Dog is expecting to fly up to Brisbane next week to meet his new teammates for the first time and tour the Lions’ freshly constructed training base in Springfield.