Dahlhaus dilemma for Dogs

WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has confirmed the length of contract being offered to premiership player Luke Dahlhaus is a sticking point as a new deal continues to be negotiated.

A free agent at season’s end, Dahlhaus is seeking a longterm deal and has been linked with other clubs, including Geelong.

While the Cats are an obvious link through his Leopold and Geelong Falcons pathway, the Cats’ salary cap position remains tight and they may not be able to provide the cash, or length of contract, needed to satisfy the Bulldog’s wishes.

With Tim Kelly’s situation suddenly becoming a priority for Geelong, even a year-anda-half before the midfield revelation comes out of contract, the Cats would seemingly have other list-management priorities as they weigh up whether to pursue Dahlhaus.

The 25-year-old fan favourite has played every game this season, averaging 22 disposals, four tackles and 5.7 score involvements but has managed only one goal.

Beveridge said Bulldogs list manager Sam Power was continuing talks with Dahlhaus’s manager, Peter Lenton, and the club was hopeful of a resolution sooner rather than later.

“Peter and our Sam are in constant talks and there’s a bit of a gap I think between what both parties are after, but Luke’s a much required player and much loved player at our club and all of us hope we can get that deal done,” Beveridge said.

“We’ve got a list management meeting in a couple of weeks where we’ll process it again. Luke might even be signed by then. But we’ll get an update in a couple of weeks.”

Asked if the length of contract was an issue in negotiations, Beveridge said, “I think it’s part of it. Luke’s entitled to leverage his status in the game and get the best deal for him.”