New Brisbane recruit Josh Dunkley has stirred up Western Bulldogs fans again after the Lions posted a sit-down interview with their boom recruit to the club's website.
Dunkley revealed the new training regime at the Lions was a bit of a shock to his system.
“It’s been a great pre-season so far. The boys have come back really fit and are running really well,” Dunkley said.
“Which has been a bit of a change-up for me too because we didn’t really run a lot at the Dogs – as much as we do here.”
The cynic in me ponders if that lack of running, according to Dunkley, at the Dogs hurt them in September.
Was a lack of fitness the catalyst for the 43-point turnaround in 16 minutes of the 2021 Grand Final?
Was it poor fitness that cost them in last year's Qualifying Final against Fremantle, who came from 41 points down to win?
The lack of fitness wasn't the only crack Dunkley took at his former club.
You had to be paying close attention to notice this comment about the quality of the Bulldogs and Lions midfields.
“Obviously coming from a place that has got some good midfielders and to another place that’s got even better midfielders, I mean you touched on Lachie Neale and how good he has been in the past and how good he is going to be in the future … to work alongside them has been good and we really drive those standards.”
Stay up to date with all the latest news from SEN. Sign up HERE.
Who does have the better midfield?
The Dogs? English, Bontempelli, Liberatore, Smith, Macrae, Treloar.
Or the Lions? McInerney, Neale, McCluggage, Dunkley, Lyons, Robertson, Berry.
Dunkley is probably right; it's Brisbane, but not by much.
Upon reading the criticism of his interview from a Bulldogs supporter, Dunkley responded on Twitter.
This has been taken way out of context, I genuinely have no problems at all with the club. However if that’s how you want to try and rev up round 3, then go ahead. All I’m looking forward to, is playing against my old team mates.
— Josh Dunkley (@jdunks5) February 1, 2023
I don't fully believe him when he says he has no issues with his former club. Otherwise, he wouldn't have tried so desperately to leave twice.
His old coach Luke Beveridge said Dunkley left only for money.
I'm not sure that's entirely accurate, either.
Wherever the truth lies, it makes for a fascinating match-up between the two clubs, so put Round 3, Thursday, March 30, in your diary. It's going to be on.
