Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has warned Josh Dunkley's place in the club's best 22 is not assured ahead of the new season.
Dunkley requested a trade to Essendon over the off-season but the Dogs held firm in knocking back any trade offers for the contracted 24-year-old.
Part of Dunkley's motivation to leave the Whitten Oval was a desire to spend more time in the midfield.
Adam Treloar has since arrived at the Bulldogs, increasing the competition for places in the team's engine room.
Speaking on SEN on Wedneday, Beveridge said Dunkley and the club have "moved on" from the failed trade request.
"I’ve been on record saying 'Dunks' and I are really close away from the club as much as that coach-player relationship," Beveridge said.
"We have moved on. Whatever the reasons were and the weight of the influence doesn’t really matter anymore."
Dunkley has played 78 senior games, establishing himself as a key player for the Bulldogs in the 2019 season when he averaged 28 disposals a game.
His output dropped in 2020, though that coincided with him spending more time forward and even in the ruck at times.
Beveridge said he has slotted right back in as the team prepares for 2021, but admitted there was a healthy competition for places.
"He has applied himself. He has trained extremely hard with the rest of the boys. He’s not at his best at the moment as far as his production on the ground," .
"He didn’t play his best game against Hawthorn (last week). He’s fully aware that there’s pressure for game time in any role in our team.
"That’s what you do. Every year you endeavour to bolster your list, ensure it’s healthy, create new levels of competitiveness and that’s what we’ve been able to do by bringing Adam in and keeping Josh.
"Yeah, there’s pressure on for his spot and the role that he plays. He understands that and he’ll be treated the same as every other player.
"His teammates adore him, he’s always had close connections, and as much as it was a head scratcher, we’re in a good place with it."
