Josh Dunkley pours cold water on a move to Adelaide after rumours linked him to South Australia

Josh Dunkley has rubbished rumours linking him with a move to South Australia, with the Western Bulldogs gun insisting he is ‘happy’ in Melbourne.

Dunkley’s future has been the topic of much speculation this week, with Adelaide Crows legend Mark Bickley suggesting the 25-year-old could head across the border when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The midfielder has ties in South Australia, with girlfriend Tippah Dwan playing for the Adelaide Thunderbirds.  The 22-year-old was previously based in Queensland, and Bickley hinted that Dunkley could be poised to move away from the Bulldogs.

However, the 25-year-old has poured cold water on Bickley’s remarks, insisting that he is ‘happy’ in Melbourne, adding that there is nothing to comment on regarding his contract situation. 

When asked by AFL.com.au whether rumours surrounding his future bother him, Dunkley said: ‘Not much to be honest. It was something that was out recently and I was shocked myself. I actually had a couple of team-mates coming up to me saying “have you seen what’s going on with you?”

‘I don’t really think about it too much, the contract negotiation time is normal for everyone and I think players go through it and everyone out there goes through it, so we are in talks at the moment.

The Western Bulldog gun’s contract comes to an end this year and his future is uncertain

Dunkley’s girllfriend Tippah Dwan (right) is a netball gun and has signed for the Adelaide Thunderbirds, a move that Bickley (left) feels will persuade Dunkley to go interstate

‘There is nothing to note on at the moment but I am looking forward to getting the season started. I know everyone says that but it has been good to be able to travel of late and I have been able to go over to Adelaide and see Tippah and spend some time with her.

‘It does have its challenges at times but when you are together you appreciate those moments and have fun together which is great.’

Commenting on the current state of affairs at the Bulldogs, Dunkley said: ‘We’ve built a really strong connection and I am happy, I’m not not happy at the moment and the future of the footy club is really bright.’ 

Dunkley had attempted to leave the club in 2020, with a move to Essendon on the horizon. However, the arrival of Adam Treloar – with whom the midfielder has built a strong friendship – has smoothed things over for the gun.  

However, the 25-year-old says he is happy in Melbourne despite living away from his partner