DEFENDER Lynden Dunn has signed a new three-year deal, keeping him with the Demons until at least the end of 2017.
Dunn, who has become one of Melbourne’s most integral players and has been a shining light in the club’s revival this season, said he was excited about its prospects under coach Paul Roos.
“I’m going to be an old man by the time I’ve finished playing here now, which is good,” he told Dee TV.
“I love the club, the boys, where the club’s going and where we’ve come from, I’d like to think that I’ve helped bring us out of where we’ve been and now I just want to play finals for the footy club.
“That’s what we’re all striving for.”
Dunn, who was an unrestricted free agent, said he didn’t consider looking elsewhere and wanted to remain a Demon for life.
“Not really. It’s a nice thing for players to have the freedom and ability to move clubs if their careers aren’t going that well at the club they’re at,” he said.
“I’m one of the delegates for the AFLPA at our footy club and it’s pretty important for where the game’s going from a player’s point of view.
“There is more movement than ever with clubs and players, so it was never really on my radar. But I think it’s an important thing to have in our industry.
“When you finish your career and you look back – it’s something that I’ll reflect on and I’m just worried about this season still – and playing well each week and developing as a player and a leader of the footy club.
“I’m sure when I finish my career it’s something that I’ll look back on.”
The 27-year-old who has played 127 matches since making his AFL debut in round six, 2006 attributed his fine form to maturity.
“I’ve got my footy now to a level where I’ve bridged the gap with my consistency,” he said.
“As a younger player, I struggled between my best and my worst footy.
“I’ve worked hard to bridge that gap and I think now I know myself better as a person and as a player. That’s part of reason why I’m playing consistent footy at the moment.
Although arguably one of the most versatile players in the game for a player of his size – he has played forward, midfield and now back – Dunn said he relished having a settled position.
“I’m loving it down back and it’s nice to have a position. I’ve been thrown around a bit early in my career and I feel that’s helped me become the player that I am,” he said.
“I’ve still played forward this year and I played in the middle for a couple of games last year, so I think my versatility is a strength of mine, but it is nice having a position down back and calling it my own and owning that spot on the ground.”
Added to the leadership group earlier in the season, Dunn said he had thrived on the opportunity.
“I’ve had to work pretty hard on my leadership and I probably thought I was a natural leader when I was younger, and getting drafted and coming in [to the club],” he said.
“It’s something I’ve had to work really hard on and I’m still learning and developing – as all of our leaders are at the footy club.
“But it’s another challenge and I’m enjoying it and I love the fact that the younger players look up to me now, as an older player and a more experienced player.
“I can try and help them along their journey and teach them a few things, like players in the past did with me, when I was a younger player.”
Looking ahead to this Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash against Collingwood, Dunn said the Demons were champing at the bit to play in front of a big crowd.
“It’s our biggest game for the year and it has been for a while, so we’re looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd. Hopefully all of the Demon faithful come out and get around us,” he said.
“The boys have been playing some pretty good footy – a few more wins would be nice on the board, but it’s not to be and I’m really excited for Monday and I can’t wait to face up against the Pies.”
Paul Roos chats with Lynden Dunn at training on Thursday morning. (Photo: Matt Goodrope / Melbourne Football Club)
