Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has hailed Josh Dunkley as the best defensive midfielder in the AFL following a match-winning turn against his former club the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba on Friday.
Dunkley was imperious in the middle against the team where he won an AFL premiership in his debut season in 2016.
The 28-year-old notched 14 tackles and had 28 disposals to be among the Lions' best as the premiers won a fourth-straight match and improved their hopes of a top four finish.
Dunkley joined the Lions ahead of the 2023 season and has played a leading role in the team reaching grand finals in each of his first two years at the club.
"If I was picking an All-Australian team, and they wanted to pick a bloke in the midfield who's a really good defensive player, he's the best defensive midfielder in the competition," Fagan said. "And probably the best I've ever seen.
"I haven't seen them all, but the way he values that part of the game is just incredible."
Another midfield star for the Lions, Hugh McCluggage, also came in for praise after a typically impressive display in his 200th AFL match.
"He's getting a little bit of acknowledgement these days about what a good player is," Fagan said of the 27-year-old.
"He's never been an All-Australian, but in our eyes he's a star - not just because he's a good footballer.
"He's a great team player, and he's an excellent leader, and he's an unbelievable person."
