Josh Dunkley admits he was frustrated his trade to Brisbane took so long to complete but is ready to move on with the next phase of his AFL career.
The 25-year-old midfielder's switch from the Western Bulldogs was one of the final deals confirmed, going through 15 minutes before Wednesday night's deadline.
The Lions gave up more than they wanted to, trading pick 21 plus future first and second-round selections as part of the package to secure their man.
"Everyone was probably frustrated from both sides in the end but it is what happens in trade period," Dunkley said.
"Both clubs have got to try and get a win out of the situation.
"At the end of the day, the deal's done and we're both happy camps."
Dunkley was with his parents and brother Kyle as the trade deadline closed in, and father Andrew told the midfielder he had never been more nervous as the family waited for the phone to ring.
It was a big call from the former Sydney defender, who was reported before the 1996 grand final and only played after a Supreme Court injunction delayed his tribunal hearing.
Josh Dunkley drew on calming words from his soon-to-be Lions teammate Lachie Neale, who went through a similar process to seal his move from Fremantle four years ago.
"Lachie actually rang me a couple of days before the trade period was over and just reassured me that his deal was pretty similar with the way that it all transpired for him," he said.
"To give me that confidence was pretty special from someone that's been through it all before, and someone of his calibre too, who is now my teammate."
Dunkley claimed the Bulldogs' best-and-fairest award in a career-high 2022 season and hopes to take his game to a new level with Brisbane, aiming to become more of an offensive threat.
He has thrown his support behind Lions coach Chris Fagan, who remains on leave from the club pending an investigation into serious historical allegations levelled against him from his time at Hawthorn. Fagan denies any wrongdoing.
"Fages has been so good to me along the journey and already I feel like I've built a special connection with him," Dunkley said.
"It's all happening behind the scenes at the moment but we'll back him in as a footy club.
"All I can say is really what I've had to do with him. He's been a special person to me already and so caring and loving.
"I really appreciate all of his support and I'll support him no matter what, too."
