The Western Bulldogs have facilitated Josh Dunkley’s wish to be traded to the Brisbane Lions, receiving an impressive haul of draft picks in return.

Negotiations between the Bulldogs and Lions endured throughout the entire 2022 Continental Tyres Trade Period, with a deal finally brokered just before the deadline.

As part of the deal, the Bulldogs received Brisbane’s pick 21 in the 2022 NAB AFL Draft, plus the Lions’ future first round, future second round, and future fourth round (tied to Geelong) selections.

In return, the Dogs gave their two future third round selections to Brisbane - one of which was secured as part of an earlier trade deal with Melbourne for Lachie Hunter.

Dunkley, a 2016 premiership player and Charles Sutton Medallist with the Bulldogs, played 116 games with the Club over seven seasons.

He was recruited to VU Whitten Oval in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, and played in the Dogs’ flag in his first season.

He averaged 25 disposals and kicked 18 goals across the 2022 campaign, and collected a career-high 14 Brownlow votes.

“We understood Josh’s decision to seek another opportunity to continue his career in Queensland, as part of a long-term lifestyle choice for him and his family,” said Bulldogs General Manager of List & Recruiting, Sam Power.

“Clearly our intention was to retain Josh for the long term, such was the esteem we hold him in as a player and a person.

“We worked hard to ensure that we received adequate compensation for losing Josh to Brisbane.  In the end we believe we have executed a deal which is fair for both parties and reflects Josh’s value.

“Josh has been an instrumental part of our football club for the last seven years, we’re sad to see him go, and we wish him well for the remainder of his career at the Lions.”