Gun midfielder Josh Dunkley has returned to the Western Bulldogs with a sharp focus on winning games of football in 2021.
It’s as simple as that for the ultra-professional 24-year-old, who has been welcomed back to the Kennel with open arms by his teammates after an off-season trade request.
“I want to play the best footy I possibly can but at the same time ... I’m willing to play any role I have to for the team to win,” Dunkley told SEN on Wednesday.
“If this year it’s playing mid, forward, wing – wherever it might be – I’m happy to do that if we’re winning games and it’s going to help us move forward.”
Dunkley filled multiple roles for the Bulldogs in an injury-interrupted 2020 campaign, after establishing himself among the game’s elite inside midfielders in a brilliant 2019 campaign where he was named in the All Australian squad of 40.
His retention – and the addition of Adam Treloar from Collingwood – mean the Bulldogs boast a bevy of midfield options.
Dunkley believes that can only be a good thing for the Bulldogs.
“It’s something that’s going to help us moving forward, having a lot of quality players inside and outside as well,” he said.
“It’s going to help us win games and hopefully challenge for finals again in 2021.”
The Bulldogs first hit-out for 2021 was scratchy, with Hawthorn taking the points in a scratch match at VU Whitten Oval last week.
Dunkley acknowledged as a group, the Bulldogs know they have some areas to tidy up before round one.
“I was average as we all were against the Hawks ... It’s a game we’re probably not proud of and one that’s going to hold us in good stead though moving forward,” he said.
“We look forward to playing against Melbourne next week.
“It’s one you’ve got to look at and reflect on… we watched the vision throughout the week and we’ve got a lot of things to work on going into the season.”
But there is plenty of positivity at the Kennel about what 2021 might bring.
After a season away from home in hubs and another elimination finals exit, the 2016 premiership player is hopeful the group can take a big step forward.
“Last year was a tough year for everyone. The way we finished the year wasn’t where we wanted to,” Dunkley said.
“Now I get another opportunity and we get another opportunity to have another crack at a premiership, potentially. It’s something that excites me and something I look forward to doing with the rest of the group.”
