Gippsland Power

Josh Dunkley

Date of Birth: 09/01/1997

Club: Western Bulldogs

Games (Goals): 78 (42)

Recruited From: 2015 NAB AFL Draft, Pick 25 from Gippsland Power (TAC Cup)

Achievements:

  • AFL Academy 2014 & 15

  • AFL Premiership 2016

  • Runner Up Best & Fairest 2019

The son of former Sydney Swans champion, Andrew, Josh split his 2015 season between his commitments with the AFL Academy, Vic Country, Gippsland Power, and Richmond's VFL team. Having the benefit of finishing his Year 12 commitments in 2014, Josh utilised his time by training with Richmond in preparation for his first AFL season. 

Josh's pathway to the 2015 Draft was quite different as he had the ability to nominate the Sydney Swans ahead of the Draft which would have sured up his destination. However with a preference to remain in Victoria, Josh bypassed this option and put his name with all of the other hopefuls which could potentially see him drafted to any team across the country. Luckily the Western Bulldogs called his name out at Pick 25 and Josh got his wish to remain in his home state. 

With the benefit of having trained full time in 2015, Josh was quick to acclimatise to the rigours of AFL and completed a sensational preseason. Having put his best foot forward, Josh was selected to make his AFL debut in Round 1 of the 2016 season against Fremantle, where he collected 15 disposals, had 4 tackles, and kicked a goal. Josh continued his good form throughout the season and had a tremendous finals series, which included playing a key role in the Western Bulldogs drought breaking Premiership win against the Swans.

Josh commenced the 2017 in good form, which even included playing some time in the Ruck. Unfortunately Josh suffered a shoulder injury in Round 4 requiring a full shoulder reconstruction. Josh was diligent in his recovery ensuring he didn't miss the rest of the season, which saw him return in Round 21 to play the remaining 3 games.

Season 2018 was a breakout year for Josh as he eventually worked his way into a midfield spot from the halfway point of the year, showing his ability to win the ball on the inside, but also spread hard away from the stoppage and into goal scoring positions. Rocketing home in the second half of the season, Josh was able to secure a Top 5 place in the Best & Fairest.

Josh took this momentum into 2019 when he was arguably the Western Bulldogs most dominant midfielders, amassing huge numbers, whilst enhancing his standing as an contested beast of the competition. His efforts were recognised when he was named in the All Australian squad for the first time and finishing Runner Up in the Best & Fairest. Unfortunately Josh had an injury interrupted season in 2020, however when he was on the ground he played to his usual high standards.

Away from football, Josh is completing a Bachelor of Health Science at Swinburne University and also enjoys his cooking. Josh also enjoys a round of golf in his spare time.