There are few players in the competition who can match Josh Dunkley’s form guide over the past six weeks.

The 22-year-old midfielder has been one of the AFL’s most influential players.

In his past six matches, he has averaged 32.5 disposals and almost seven tackles – including two 10-vote performances in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award voting, in wins against Brisbane and Carlton.

And he’s now committed to three more years as a Bulldog, signing on until the end of 2022 alongside fellow 22-year-old Caleb Daniel today. 

“I’m so happy to re-sign, and obviously confident about the future and the young players we’ve recently signed up,” Dunkley said. 

“It’s exciting going forward. 

“We’ve been in a lot of games this year and shown potential, so I’m keen to dip into that and really push forward.

“We’re building something special and hopefully we can really push forward.”

Dunkley emerged as a rising midfield star at the back of last year, and he has reached new heights already in 2019.

An inspirational 41-disposal performance against Carlton on Saturday night led the Bulldogs to a thrilling three-point win.

“Josh finished the 2018 season in strong fashion, and he has taken his game to a new level this year,” GM of List and Recruiting, Sam Power, said.

“He is an emerging leader within our group, and someone who is selfless in his approach on-field.

“We have seen Josh become a really reliable performer week-to-week, with his hardness around the contest and ability to find the ball consistently making him an important part of our midfield mix.”

Dunkley now forms a formidable on-ball brigade at VU Whitten Oval, led by the likes Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Lachie Hunter, Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore. 

All of whom are locked in until 2021 or beyond.

“I’ve always worked on my midfield stuff,” he said. 

“Growing up, I got drafted as a midfielder, and then found myself playing a key forward role or a forward pressure role in the premiership side (in 2016). 

“Slowly I’ve inched my way into the midfield, and I’ve been working alongside Joel Corey, ‘Gia’ and Steve Grace, the midfield coaches, and they’ve helped me a lot. 

“To get more midfield time is good, but I’m just playing my role for the team.”