Dogs chief gives update on key pieces

WESTERN Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains has suggested talks are positive regarding a new contract for Josh Dunkley.

The 25-year-old midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to recommit to the club he first played for in 2016.

Bains said negotiations between list manager Sam Power and the Dunkley camp are ongoing and is hopeful the premiership player will stay put in the red, white and blue.

“He’s been interviewed in recent weeks and been really positive on remaining at the club,” he said on Sportsday.

“I think the discussions Sam’s been having with his management team have been really positive in that regard.

“He had a fantastic game [in his 100th against Essendon in round seven], he had the opportunity to catch up with a number of his family members after the game and they were really happy and positive as well.

“We hope he recommits in due course.”

Given Dunkley attempted to leave The Kennel in the 2020 trade period, what does he need to be sold on to remain with the club beyond 2022?

“With each of the guys that are out of contract there are probably a range of things that they’re looking work through,” Bains added.

“Not saying it’s necessarily the case with Josh, but whether it‘s financial, where they see themselves longer term in all aspects of their life.

“There’s a number of decisions that go into that. Whether it’s Josh or any of the other current contract negotiations that Sam’s having with our more prominent out-of-contract players, the bottom line is they are all keen to chat and are looking to stay.

“It’s just getting through the contract aspects of that which can take some time.”

One key Dog whose contract is not an issue, but is currently taking time away from the club is Lachie Hunter.

The 27-year-old, who won the 2018 best and fairest, is on indefinite leave to deal with personal issues with a return date yet unknown.

However, Bains insists the club is providing the support required to have Hunter return to the fold once he is ready mentally.

“Lachie’s continuing to improve which is the main thing,” Bains said. “From our club perspective, we are just hellbent on ensuring that he is well supported and in a good place.

“In terms of his return it will probably be a combination of him feeling healthy, positive and ready to come back, and the welfare arm of the club feeling the same.

“He’s continuing to train away from the club and follow a program assiduously to ensure he maintains his physical fitness and wellbeing.

“But essentially his time away and what he’s dealing with now is more the mental side. So it’s being in a position where he and our medical and welfare staff feel that he is able to fully throw himself back into the environment that’s required.

“Ultimately, we all want Lachie back and playing topflight football at AFL level, so everything’s being geared towards that happening again.”

– BY ANDREW SLEVISON/ SEN