Josh Dunkley was on the couch at home in Yarram, a small town in the southeast of Gippsland surrounded by family when the news filtered through that he was officially a Bulldog.

“It was pretty special”, the 18 year old said of the moment his name was called out.

Dunkley is the son of former Sydney full-back Andrew, and when the Swans elected not to match the Bulldogs bid, the powerful midfielder was on his way to Whitten Oval, and needless to say, Mum and Dad are pretty happy their boy was staying close to home.

“If it had of worked out that I was going to Sydney then so be it, but I’m on an AFL list and I’m in Victoria and close to home.

“They couldn’t be happier.”

Dunkley will wear number 20 for season 2016, his locker nestled in between 2014 number 2 pick, Lukas Webb, and Sutton Medallist Tom Liberatore.

The scouting reports on the Gippsland Power product talk about competiveness, his leadership, his ability to win his own ball, and at 189cm and 85kg, Dunkley has horsepower to burn.

In consideration for the 11th pick overall before it was traded out in return for Carlton’s pick 20 and 21, the Bulldogs were thrilled to see him still available at the Bulldogs first selection.

It’s been a surreal week for Josh and his fellow draftees, walking into an AFL club for the first time and meeting the likes of Murphy, Boyd, Morris and Picken, but he said getting his Guernsey number has made it all feel a bit more real.

“Yeah it does (feel real), you always look up to these guys that you’re training with now and you’re finally here, and being friends with them and talking to them, so it’s a massive eye opener.

“It’s pretty amazing to be here.”