It was one of the most interesting trade periods in recent memory for the Brisbane Lions. 

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. 

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.  

Brisbane List Manager, Dom Ambrogio said the Club achieved what it set out to do. 

“At 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 we’ve done that.” 

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.   

Speaking as a Lion for the first time yesterday, the 25-year-old couldn’t contain his excitement ahead of his move north. 

“It was a special moment for me,” Dunkley said. 

“The Lions as a football club are a side I’ve admired from afar, and the list they’ve built and the exciting group they’ve got I think is bound for success.” 

“So, to be part of that and potentially a driving factor in some success would be pretty special.” 

Similar excitement was felt by Dunkley’s new teammate, Jack Gunston, who is set to bring a wealth of experience to the Lions forward line.   

Following Dan McStay’s departure to Collingwood during Free Agency, the 30-year-old is a perfect replacement for Brisbane with his versatility and high football IQ.  

“It’s a really exciting time for me and my family to move up to Queensland and hopefully be a part of something special, I’m really looking forward to it,” Gunston said.  

“For me, it was a great time in my career to flip the script. I’m a big believer in ‘everyone’s journey is different,’ and I’m just excited to join a lot of familiar faces and a list that’s constantly building and making it deep in September. 

“There’s 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 I’m looking forward to being a part of that.” 

List Manager, Dom Ambrogio said that he hopes the 30-year-old’s experience will have a ripple effect on the group.  

“Not only is Jack a versatile player who can play across all three lines of the ground, we hope he’ll have a great residual effect on the group with his experience in premierships.  

“We think he’ll help our forward line in their craft and cohesion while influencing the group as a whole.” 

Brisbane now look toward the draft in November. 

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.   

“We’re well positioned to do what we want to do in the draft,” Ambrogio said.  

The NAB AFL Draft will begin on Monday, 28 November.  

Brisbane’s 2022 Trade Period  

Who Arrived: Jack Gunston, Josh Dunkley  

Who left: Tom Berry, Dan McStay  

2022 NAB AFL Draft Picks: 34, 35, 36, 38, 55, 56, 73