Luke Dahlhaus

Geelong veteran Luke Dahlhaus announces retirement

The veteran forward leaves the AFL as a premiership player.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Geelong veteran Luke Dahlhaus is the latest Cat to hang up the boots, doing so as a premiership player.

The 30-year-old ends his 12-year career after 225 games split across this time with the Western Bulldogs and Geelong.

The midfield-forward hybrid began his career at the Kennel, joining the Dogs as a Rookie Draft selection in 2010.

Dahlhaus would play 154 games in the blue, white and red, including a role in their 2016 Grand Final win.

At the end of the 2018 season, he would return to the Geelong region in a move to the Cats, where he has since played 71 matches.

On Thursday morning, the Geelong Falcons product confirmed his decision to hang up the boots.

“I feel very lucky and honoured to have played at two amazing football clubs over 12 years and made friends that I will have for life,” Dahlhaus said in a club statement.

“Thank you to everyone that has supported me along the way.”

Dahlhaus joins club captain Joel Selwood and fellow ex-Bulldog Shaun Higgins in also announcing his retirement this off-season.

Geelong football boss Simon Lloyd thanked Dah;lhaus for his service to the club across the past four seasons.

“Luke has had an exceptional career across two clubs, and we’ve been very fortunate to have him here in Geelong over the last four seasons,” Lloyd said.

“On the field, he often set the tone for our group with his determination and team-first mentality, but he was equally important off the field, where his enthusiasm for teammates and his kind and giving nature made him one of the most popular members of our Club.”

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 28: Luke Dahlhaus of the Bulldogs (left) celebrates with Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs during the 2017 AFL round 06 match between the GWS Giants and the Western Bulldogs at the UNSW Canberra Oval on April 28, 2017 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

"Retiring as a premiership player with a career spanning 225 games at the highest level is something that both Luke and his family should be very proud of, as I am sure they are.

“We wish Luke all the very best for what comes next and thank him for his contribution to the Geelong Football Club.”

Dahlhaus kicked 141 goals and averaged 19.26 disposals per game across his career.

Published by
Mitch Keating