Star midfielder Josh Dunkley played an important role in the Bulldogs’ on-ball brigade this season, despite having to deal with a shoulder injury and home isolation.
The 24-year-old had a significant impact across the first six games of 2021, averaging 30.3 disposals and five clearances.
He also became the first player to record 10 smothers in the opening four rounds of a season.
In round six against GWS, Dunkley dislocated his shoulder twice in the late stages of the game, forcing him to be sidelined for 12 weeks after undergoing reconstructive surgery.
He returned to the action ahead of schedule in round 18, recording 21 touches, seven tackles and four clearances, before being dealt yet another blow – sent into home quarantine for 14 days after visiting a Tier 1 COVID-19 exposure site.
Missing the Bulldogs’ gutsy win over Melbourne at the MCG, Dunkley emerged from isolation in time to face Adelaide in round 20.
His next three games were relatively quiet in comparison to his hot start to the season, before averaging 20 possessions, four clearances and six tackles throughout the finals series.
He was particularly impactful in the preliminary final against Port Adelaide, recording 22 touches (14 contested) and eight tackles in the 71-point win.
With hopefully an uninterrupted run to come in season 2022, there’s no doubts Dunkley will continue to be an asset to the Bulldogs’ engine room.
DUNKLEY’S 2021 SEASON: BY THE NUMBERS
Games: 15
Goals: 5
Average disposals: 23.3 (elite)
Average tackles: 5.2 (elite)
Average marks: 3.7
Average clearances: 3.9 (elite)
Average ground ball gets: 7.7 (elite)
Average metres gained: 186.6m
