Yarram local and former Sale footballer Josh Dunkley capped off a stellar season by wining the Western Bulldogs best and fairest.

It was Dunkley’s first Charles Sutton Medal, although the timing of the award added to a bizarre set of circumstances given the 25-year-old has requested a trade to the Brisbane Lions.

The premiership winning Bulldog was a consistent performer throughout the 2022 season, not missing a single game. He kicked 18 goals, averaged six tackles, six marks and 25 touches.

He totalled 231 votes in the club count, with 52 coming in the final three rounds to beat teammate Tom Liberatore.

After winning the coveted best-and-fairest award on Wednesday, September 28, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said the Lions would have to “pony up” for the midfielder, and described the pending move as “the elephant in the room” before presenting Dunkley with the medallion.

“He’s extremely well respected by everyone within our club, and obviously, it’s a real shame,” Beveridge said.

“I describe Josh as the glue in our team. He does all the hard team things unconditionally, and we’re going to need more of that from his teammates, or former teammates, next year.

“He’s a real diamond we discovered and pinched from under Sydney’s nose. It’s difficult to come up and match market value when you’ve got to spread the financial load across your whole group.

“That’s part of it, but Josh has also made a life decision on where he sees his future and where he’s going to live and what it means to him at this point in time, and we respect that.”

It is believed the Lions offered Dunkley an extraordinary six-year deal worth between $700,000-$750,000 per season. Still, the Brisbane-bound Bulldog insists the move isn’t financially driven but rather a lifestyle choice.

His sister Lara Dunkley plays Super Netball with the Queensland Firebirds, with his partner Tippah Dwan playing in Adelaide on a contract expiring in 2023. Dunkley reiterated the importance of family when accepting the award last week, paying tribute to Beveridge and Dwan.

“To my girlfriend Tippah, words can’t describe how much you mean to me and I’m so grateful to have you in my life. I love you so much, your support honestly means the world and I hope I give you the happiness that you give me, so thanks Tip,” Dunkley said.

“To Bevo, I remember the day we first met before I was even drafted and looking back now I could tell then you were going to have a massive impact, both on my life on-field and off-field. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, I truly wouldn’t be the person or player I am today without you.

“You have been a father-like figure, we’ve always been honest and challenged one another at times, but also we’ve been there for each other too. I couldn’t speak more highly about you.”

“Despite the decisions I’ve made over the past few days, I really wanted to say thank you to everyone here tonight and involved in the club for giving me so much over the journey. This club will forever hold a place in my heart, and I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to put on the red, white and blue jumper.

“Please don’t be shy moving forward. I’m always up for a chat; you know how much I love you all, and although I won’t be here, I’ll still be watching from afar.”

Dunkley played in a senior premiership with Sale in 2012.

Lara is also a Sale premiership player, winning an A Grade flag with the Magpies in 2013.