Star midfielder Josh Dunkley says an intensive two-week training block ensured he returned to AFL football full of confidence in his body and skills.

The 24-year-old came straight into the team for Saturday’s 11-point win against the Gold Coast Suns, after missing 12 weeks due to a shoulder reconstruction.

“I had a chat to ‘Bevo’ about a week ago, just about how I was feeling and if the confidence was there with my hands and my feet – and the shoulder, more importantly,” Dunkley said post-game.

“It was nice to put a good block of training together.

“I had pretty much trained fully for two weeks, so I had all the touch and everything there. It was just a matter of coming out here on game day and playing well.”

Dunkley was important in the win, particularly with the influential Tom Liberatore (managed) missing from the Bulldogs’ midfield group.

The tough on-baller had 21 disposals, four clearances and laid seven tackles as the Bulldogs continued their unbeaten interstate run in 2021.

“To be on the road is always tough and historically we haven’t been so good at it,” Dunkley said, following the Bulldogs’ fifth win interstate this year.

“Going to Perth, going to Sydney – a lot of things have been thrown up this year and we’ve managed to deal with it. It’s nice to be able to get another win on the road.

“I think the boys are really embracing the challenge… to come away, galvanise and spend more time with each other… everyone’s in the locker room, everyone’s in the hallways.

“It’s nice to be able to relate off-field as well as on-field. I think we’ve been able to do that and gel as a group.”