It was one of the most interesting trade periods in recent memory for the Brisbane Lions.Β
The Lions entered the week with the tall task of trying to add Josh Dunkley and Jack Gunston to their ranks, while at the same time acquiring enough draft points for father-son prospects Will Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher.Β
It appears the Lions have achieved that, securing the signatures of both Dunkley and Gunston and being well positioned ahead of the 2022 NAB AFL Draft.Β Β
Brisbane List Manager, Dom Ambrogio said the Club achieved what it set out to do.Β
βAt the beginning of the trade period our goal was to secure Jack Gunston, Josh Dunkley and as good a draft hand as we could, and I think weβve done that.βΒ
Fresh kit π¦ pic.twitter.com/SenlW9gGRE
β Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) October 13, 2022
While the addition of Dunkley gave Lions fans heart palpitations by going down to the final 20 minutes, the reigning Western Bulldogs best and fairest winner is exactly the ball-winning, defensive-minded midfielder the Lions needed.Β Β Β
Speaking as a Lion for the first time yesterday, the 25-year-old couldnβt contain his excitement ahead of his move north.Β
βIt was a special moment for me,β Dunkley said.Β
βThe Lions as a football club are a side Iβve admired from afar, and the list theyβve built and the exciting group theyβve got I think is bound for success.βΒ
βSo, to beΒ part of that and potentially a driving factor in some success would be pretty special.βΒ
Similar excitement was felt by Dunkleyβs new teammate, Jack Gunston, who is set to bring a wealth of experience to the Lions forward line.Β Β Β
Following Dan McStayβs departure to Collingwood during Free Agency, the 30-year-old is a perfect replacement for Brisbane with his versatility and high football IQ.Β Β
βItβs a really exciting time for me and my family to move up to Queensland and hopefully be a part of something special, Iβm really looking forward to it,β Gunston said.Β Β
βFor me, it was a great time in my career to flip the script. Iβm a big believer in βeveryoneβs journey is different,β and Iβm just excited to join a lot of familiar faces and a list thatβs constantly building and making it deep in September.Β
βThereβs a lot of good young kids there and a number of people that have done the hard yards over a number of years and getting some rewards in September and Iβm looking forward to being a part of that.βΒ
List Manager, Dom Ambrogio said that he hopes the 30-year-oldβs experience will have a ripple effect on the group.Β Β
βNot only is Jack a versatile player who can play across all three lines of the ground, we hope heβll have a great residual effect on the group with his experience in premierships.Β Β
βWe think heβll help our forward line in their craft and cohesion while influencing the group as a whole.βΒ
Yep... the colours suit too π¦ pic.twitter.com/irrnLB1Eda
β Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) October 11, 2022
Brisbane now look toward the draft in November.Β
The Lions currently hold picks 34, 35, 36, 38, 55, 56 and 73 and are comfortable with where they sit ahead of the two-night event.Β Β Β
βWeβre well positioned to do what we want to do in the draft,β Ambrogio said.Β Β
The NAB AFL Draft will begin on Monday, 28 November.Β Β
Brisbaneβs 2022 Trade PeriodΒ Β
Who Arrived: Jack Gunston, Josh DunkleyΒ Β
Who left: Tom Berry, Dan McStayΒ Β
2022 NAB AFL Draft Picks: 34, 35, 36, 38, 55, 56, 73Β