Western Bulldogs star Josh Dunkley and coach Luke Beveridge clear the air after failed move to Essendon

Western Bulldogs star Josh Dunkley says he has cleared the air with coach Luke Beveridge and will work to earn back respect following his failed move to Essendon. The Bombers were unable to land a deal for the gun midfielder during the trade period, meaning he’ll remain at the Whitten Oval. Dunkley, who has two years remaining on his current deal, said he had no qualms about walking back in the door at the kennel. “It’s nice to be able to go back now and really put my head down and earn that respect. If I have lost any from those people, I’ll work hard to get that back.,” he said. “I spoke to Bevo, I caught up with him the other night in Melbourne. “We had a good chat. I’d spoken to him a lot through the process as well, (and) Chris Grant, Sam Power and Ameet Bains were the big four I’d spoken to and my teammates as well, so they were very supportive. “I definitely feel comfortable. The boys have made me feel really comfortable, it’s obviously a challenge because it’s not every day someone asks to move. “It’s nice to be able to go back now and really put my head down and earn that respect. If I have lost any from those people, I’ll work hard to get that back.” Dunkley admitted he knew it would be a tough ask to cross to Tullamarine. “Always in the back of my mind I knew it was a possibility after coming out and asking to go to Essendon,” he said. “With all respect, the Bulldogs really held onto me and made it a challenge for Essendon to get me. “It’s nice to know you are wanted at the club and I’m really excited to get back there and get to work.” Former Magpie Adam Treloar adds to an already impressive Bulldogs midfield, which includes the likes of skipper Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore and Bailey Smith. Dunkley said he relished the competition for spots at his club. “You can’t just roll into a footy club and think you’re going to play midfield time, you’ve got to really put your head down and work hard,” Dunkley said. “That’s what I’m going to do.”