THE warmth is on Josh Dunkley in additional methods than one as he adjusts to life on the Brisbane Lions following his low season transfer from the Western Bulldogs.
Dunkley, 25, is thought to be one of many remaining items within the Lions’ premiership puzzle.
Having gained a flag as a youngster with the Bulldogs in 2016, the Sydney-born midfielder is aware of what’s wanted to climb the AFL’s highest mountain.
Dunkley additionally has an incredible footballing pedigree, together with his father Andrew having made 217 appearances throughout 11 seasons for the Swans.
Josh is grateful to his father for a lot of issues, together with enrolling him and his brother Kyle – who can be on the Lions’ books – in ballet courses as kids alongside their sister Lara, who performs netball for the Queensland Firebirds.
“It’s been beneficial with recovery, stretching and mobility, so it’s really good for what we do as athletes and players,” Josh mentioned.
“Everyone would have a laugh about it when I was at primary school … but that’s one little thing that I look back on and am grateful that I did.”
The Lions will probably be simply as grateful if the elegant ft of Dunkley can assist safe them their first premiership since 2003.
Brisbane’s recruitment of Dunkley, former Hawthorn star Jack Gunston, ex-Essendon expertise Conor McKenna, and father-son draft pair Will Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher has raised expectations the Lions will win the flag in 2023.
“We’ve been working towards this for six years now; to put ourselves into a position where there’s expectation, we’re excited,” Lions coach Chris Fagan mentioned:.
“The focus is to improve, (and) hopefully we can improve enough to be there on the last day in September – that’s what we’re aiming for.”
Dunkley mentioned he wasn’t feeling any additional stress to assist the Lions take the ultimate step of their premiership journey.
Instead, he’s simply pleased to contribute in a group which already has a bunch of stars, together with talisman and 2020 Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale.
Dunkley admits he’s nonetheless adjusting to Brisbane’s warmth and humidity.
“I thought I was OK until (last) Wednesday. That’s when it really hit me,” he mentioned.
“They were probably the hottest conditions that I’ve ever trained in.”
