Hi guys, I come in peace. Have always liked and rated Dahlhaus (was actually at his first ever game!) and thought he was so crucial to your flag year.
I don’t understand why we are chasing him given the strength of our midfield and the fact we are sorely lacking in other areas (namely small forwards and rucks) but will happily take him if, as reported, he accepts a FA offer from us.
I’m really confused why the Dogs are letting him go though. He seems such a heart and soul player who bleeds red white and blue. I know his form hasn’t been at its best in 2017/18 but he’s young in football terms and your young team seems in need of experience....
If the reported figure of $500k is true I don’t think it’s overs at all and am very surprised the Dogs wouldn’t be willing to match or better that offer.
Any insights? From the outside it’s confusing and I believed he would stay at the Dogs until you put out that statement this evening.
I think Luke simply hasn't deserved the contract he's asked for at the Dogs, unfortunately. I think there's a few reasons tonight's announcement has eventuated:
- He's been a great servant and we all love him but his last two seasons have been disappointing and there are Dogs people (myself included) who no longer feel he fits clearly within our best 22, particularly as, like Geelong, our midfield is our greatest strength (particularly inside mids).
- There were rumours reported on by the media of discontent with his training standards.
- Although he may be youngish in football terms, as you note, I think many people would agree with me in saying he has already peaked as a player (probably in 2015-16). He may get back to that peak but I don't think he will go beyond it in the future. I think he's probably maxed out on his potential and will rely on his hardness, durability and tenacity going forward (his best traits - 'heart & soul' etc.), rather than physical/technical improvements.
- Given that likely maxing out of potential and the reality of his last two seasons, coupled with our bevy of young, promising midfielders, I think the Dogs were rightly reluctant to offer him a 4 year deal on $500k or something like that. Further, I think the coaches have probably exhausted their patience on him improving his kicking and particularly his kicking for goal (set shots). He is however a good goalsneak on the snap, although he hasn't found many opportunities to exhibit that skill recently.
I think things could definitely have been different but I'm content with seeing the player leave, albeit sad as we love him and he's given us many fond memories. Hope he has a great time in Geelong, perhaps he can find success as a small forward... I'm unconvinced though