Essendon’s bid to lure Western Bulldogs midfielder Josh Dunkley away from the Whitten Oval is set to run the length of the AFL trade period.

The Bombers and Bulldogs are in a tug-of-war for the premiership hero, who has played 78 AFL games after debuting in 2016.

Bombers list manager Adrian Dodoro says the situation with Dunkley is “awkward” because the player is contracted until the end of the 2022 season.

The 23-year-old is determined to head to Tullamarine as he seeks a permanent role in the midfield after being shuffled around in different positions this year.

“We do have an interest in Josh but we respect the fact he’s got a two-year contract with the Bulldogs to go,” Dodoro told AFL Trade Radio.

“We’ve had some preliminary chats with the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are pretty resolute they want to keep Josh and we respect that.

“The Bulldogs hold the whip-hand with this one. We’re certainly asking the question and we certainly will over the entirety of the trade period.

“It’s only the beginning of the trade period so anything can happen between the now and next week.”

Meanwhile, Dodoro stated pick eight would be a “fair deal” if the Bombers are to trade defender Adam Saad to Carlton.

The speedy halfback has requested a trade to the Bombers’ arch-rivals after three seasons at Essendon.

“Carlton aren’t being unreasonable. We’re discussing certain elements of that trade and I’m sure it will be done,” Dodoro said.

Injury-plagued forward Orazio Fantasia has told Essendon he wants a move to Port Adelaide but Dodoro says the club are reluctant to lose more speedy players.

“There’s a real hesitation to lose another one. If something’s on the table we think is fair then we’re more than happy to talk,” he said.