The former Western Bulldogs premiership player has won two more flags and reached another grand final since joining Brisbane in 2023.
He'll play his 200th AFL game on Sunday, at the MCG against Melbourne, while dual Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale will bring up 300 appearances.
Neale has racked up huge disposal counts and clearances on his way to four Brisbane best-and-fairest awards to go with two at Fremantle.
But Dunkley has done things differently, breaking tackling records and doing the dirty midfield work to be rated Neale's favourite teammate and deservedly collect the Lions' top gong last season.
The 29-year-old, who along with Hugh McCluggage replaced Neale as co-captain this season, broke the club and all-time finals tackling record with 18 against Gold Coast in last year's semi-final.
"He's not unsung here; he is the hero," Fagan said ahead of the Demons test.
"What he's done is shine a light on the less flamboyant things in the game: tackling, blocking, spoiling, chasing.
"Being a good defensive player ... that was probably a bit of a weakness of ours, but he's made it a thing and a lot of people follow.
"He's a godsend for a coach."
Neale said he had never played with someone so desperate to make his own teammates better.
"It's no surprise that since he's come we've played in three grand finals in a row," Neale said.
It's Brisbane's first game at the MCG since winning last year's grand final, and their first clash with the Demons at the AFL's home since 2024.
Melbourne lead the head-to-head 6-4 since 2021 and beat the Lions at the Gabba by 11 points last season.
A year earlier in Brisbane they lost by just five points and, under new coach Steven King, have impressed in a 3-2 start to this season that included a touch-up of the previously unbeaten Gold Coast.
Noah Answerth (concussion) has recovered to replace Dayne Zorko (calf) in Brisbane's defence, while former St Kilda ruck Max Heath and first-round pick Xavier Taylor will debut for the Demons.
Key forward Matthew Jefferson and Bailey Laurie come in, with Tom McDonald left out, Xavier Lindsay managed and Jake Melksham (ankle) and Christian Salem (foot) injured.
7°C