WHY I CAME HOME
OLD DOG FINDS NEW HOME
GEELONG recruit Luke Dahlhaus has declared his best footy is ahead of him as he prepares to bring a much-needed pressure boost to the Cats’ forward line.
Dahlhaus yesterday spoke of his desire to rejuvenate his career at the Cats after becoming drained by the a burden of pressure at the Western Bulldogs after playing in the 2016 flag.
The 26-year-old joins the Cats as a free agent on a four-year deal, reported to be worth about $2 million, with the Bulldogs to receive a second-round selection as compensation.
“It’s a super club with a great history,” Dahlhaus said after being unveiled in Cats colours yesterday.
“But also I’ve got the link (back to) home, family down here, and I know it’s only an hour-and-a-half but sometimes it can feel like it’s interstate.
“I’ve missed a lot of birthdays and things like that, so it will be good to catch up with the family again and spend time with the new niece and just all those sorts of things — and play some good footy, hopefully.”
Dahlhaus, who kicked 110 goals in his 154 games across eight seasons at the Dogs, said he had recovered from the ankle injury that sidelined him from Round 18.
He completed a speed and running session yesterday and is confident he will start official preseason training on time.
“I’m only 26 and I think I’ve got some good years of footy ahead of me,” he said.
“My last 18 months, like I said, the confidence probably dropped away and I probably haven’t played my best.
“But (around) 26 are supposed to be your prime years and I think I’ve got plenty of good footy left.”
Dahlhaus believes the Cats have the potential to challenge for next year’s premiership and hopes to play a pressure forward role with bursts in the midfield and off a wing.
His father, Mark, is a local footy legend and played for Geelong’s under-19 side in the early 1980s and also played for Geelong West (VFA), St Albans, Newcomb and Leopold.
MORE REPORTS: PAGE 82-83