Dunkley's manager expresses frustration at fourth-round pick haggling

Josh Dunkley’s manager Liam Pickering has expressed some frustration at the protracted negotiations between the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane.

The deal to send the wantaway Dogs midfielder to the Lions went all the way to the final moments of the trade period.

The Bulldogs sent Dunkley alongside a future third (tied to Melbourne) and a future third (tied to Brisbane) for pick 21, the Lions' future first, their future second and a future fourth (tied to Geelong).

According to Pickering, it was that final future fourth tied to the reigning premiers (equivalent of pick 76 in 2022) that was holding up the deal and that frustrated him in the immediate aftermath.

“It was just a future pick, a fourth (that was needed to unlock the trade) I think, anyway, it dragged on a bit longer than it should have,” Pickering told AFL Trade Radio.

“It went down to about 7:10, we’ve had a little bit more time than we’ve had in previous years, it was great to get it done.

“As I said there was some haggling and whatnot at the end, but really happy for Josh and he’s gone to the club he wants to go to.

“I think it could have been done first thing this morning to be honest.

“Haggling over a pick that’s in the future, a fourth round pick that is probably never going to get used anyway, but anyway that’s what we do.”

The Lions managed to secure Dunkley and enough draft capital to match a bid for father-son prospect Will Ashcroft with pick one.

The Bulldogs meanwhile were able to add Rory Lobb and Liam Jones, with Dunkley, Josh Schache, Zaine Cordy and Lachie Hunter out the door.