Luke Dahlhaus tells the Western Bulldogs he’s out as unrestricted free agent seeks new home

WESTERN Bulldogs premiership forward Luke Dahlhaus has quit the club. The Bulldogs announced it had failed to reach a deal with the ballwinner. Where will he play next?

Western Bulldog Luke Dahlhaus. Pic: Michael Klein

WESTERN Bulldogs premiership forward Luke Dahlhaus has quit the club.

Dahlhaus, 26, is an unrestricted free agent and can now choose his next destination.

The Herald Sun reported last month the 154-game forward was in Geelong’s sights, the Cats hopeful of boosting their premiership push.

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Dahlhaus’s failure to recommit throughout the season had the Bulldogs wary the ballwinner might take up his free agency options.

On Tuesday night the Bulldogs revealed Dahlhaus had told officials he wished to make a move.

“The club had been in discussions with Dahlhaus and his management throughout the season about a new multi-year contract extension beyond 2018,” the Bulldogs statement said.

Luke Dahlhaus (right) with the 2016 premiership cup. Pic: Getty Images

“Notwithstanding this, Dahlhaus is an unrestricted free agent, allowing him the freedom to move to another club of his choice.

“While the club is obviously disappointed an agreement could not be reached, the club maintains an obligation to be balanced in its approach across its entire playing group when making its list management decisions.

“The club wishes to thank Luke for his eight years of wonderful service, including 154 games and his contribution to the club’s 2016 premiership. We wish Luke well for the remainder of his career.”

The Bulldogs will receive a compensation pick for losing the 26-year-old. The length and salary of his next deal will determine what pick that will be, with the AFL to rule on that next month.