Barooga secures former AFL talent for 2022 season

Dunkley, brother of Western Bulldogs star Josh, will bolster Barooga’s midfield brigade with his tackling prowess and ability to win the inside ball.

The 21-year-old featured five times for Melbourne across two seasons and spent the 2021 campaign in the VFL system with Essendon.

Barooga president Marcus Fry was over the moon to welcome the

“We are absolutely rapt. It’s enormous for the club and it’s really exciting news as well,”

“He’s only 21, has been in the AFL system for a few years and we can’t wait to see him help improve our club for the next few years.”

Fry revealed that Barooga coach and former AFL gun, Jackson Trengove, helped bring Dunkley to the region.

Trengove, through his friendship with former Bulldogs teammates Josh, approached the younger Dunkley about joining the Hawks.

“Jacko and Josh are very close mates and he (Jackson) actually spent some time down on the Dunkley family farm and that’s where the connection with Kyle started,” Fry said.

“The conversations to get him up here started a few months ago and it wasn’t until he actually did come up here that he jumped on board.

“He was blown away with the region; he loves his golf, camping and 4WD.”

Dunkley, son of former Sydney Swans great Andrew, will be a major boost to Barooga’s midfield.

The tough ball-winner averaged 17.5 disposals and 4.5 tackles from his six matches in the VFL this year.

Joining Dunkley at the Hawks Nest next season will be friend Jansen Peterson.

Fry described Peterson as an “untapped potential”, with the 22-year-old coming from a basketball background.

The news of the pair landing at Barooga comes days after Barooga announced the return of former player Wade Demasi.

A brief stint at Berrigan sees Demasi back in the maroon and gold.

But Demasi will bring former Saints captain Grant Martin along with him for next season.

Fry said the summer recruits will be important in steering Barooga back into finals contention in 2022.

“We have tried to bring some local boys back to the club and bring in some leadership players as well,” he said.

“We have had eyes on strengthening our midfield and we feel like we have done that.”