Free agents Luke Dahlhaus, Reece Conca making fresh starts

WESTERN Bulldogs premiership star Luke Dahlhaus has officially traded the Kennel for the Cattery, while Fremantle hopes a fresh start for Reece Conca can help the ex-Tiger fulfil his potential.

Reece Conca jas joined Freo. Pic: Michael Klein

WESTERN Bulldogs premiership star Luke Dahlhaus has officially traded the Kennel for the Cattery, joining Geelong on a long-term deal.

The Geelong native penned a four-year contract to return home to the Cats as an unrestricted free agent after eight seasonswith the Bulldogs.

The Cats were keen to bring Dahlhaus into the fold due to his versatility as a pressure-applying forwardand inside midfielder.

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“Luke is a player that we identified as being able to come in and make an impact on our team,” Geelong football general manager Simon Lloyd said.

“A high performing player at AFL level for many years, Luke has the ability to play a number of positionson the ground and take the game on.”

The Bulldogs will receive a second-round compensation selection, slated for pick 25 in the draft at present.

Dahlhaus played 154 games, including 17 matches this season, before informing the club in September he would be leaving infree agency.

The 26-year-old was one of the Bulldogs’ grand-final stars in 2016, amassing 23 disposals and eight tackles in their 22-pointwin against Sydney.

He recently came under criticism for firing a social media shot at Bob Murphy after his former captainquestioned Dahlhaus’ dedication.

Dahlhaus played junior football with the Geelong Falcons before he was selected by the Dogs at the 2011 rookie draft.

Luke Dahlhaus has signed with Geelong. Picture: Getty Images

Meanwhile, Richmond will receive an end-of-second round pick as compensation for losing Reece Conca.

Conca was the first official move of the AFL’s player exchange period, the free agent agreeing to join Fremantle on a three-year deal from Richmond.

The Tigers revealed the AFL had informed them they would receive an end of second round draft selection — currently pick 36 — in this year’s draft.

However that pick looks certain to be taken away.

Under free agency rules, any club’s compensation is also determined by any free agent they bring into the club.

Richmond is certain to bring in Tom Lynch in coming days, meaning the Conca compensation pick will be lost.

The Tigers have tabled a seven-year contract for Lynch, 25.

Conca, 26, recovered from a dislocated ankle to play 18 games this season, including Richmond’s two finals, for a career total of 104.

In announcing his arrival, Fremantle lavished some high praise for the defender.

“Conca was drafted with pick no.6 in the 2010 National Draft and earned a 2011 Rising Star nomination, with his debut season compared to that of Dustin Martin’s — who arrived at the Tigers the year prior,” the Dockers statement read.

Reece Conca (left) started his career in superb fashion before injury and a lack of opportunity prevailed at Richmond. Pic: Getty Images

Freo chief Steve Rosich said his club was ecstatic to welcome Conca, a former WA product, back to his home state.

“We’re delighted to have Reece on board at Fremantle,” Rosich said.

“He’s already shown what he’s capable of at a top-four club in Richmond and we’re very positive that he will become a long-term player at Fremantle and help drive our young midfield.

“In signing with Fremantle, we hope he can join the likes of Bradley Hill, Joel Hamling and Nathan Wilson as recruits who have come home and made an impact.

“Reece is a fine young man who will not only help us grow on-field but contribute to the development of our young and emerging players.”

The Tigers thanked Conca, who played 104 AFL matches at the club.

“I’d like to thank Reece for his hard work and dedication to the Richmond Football Club over the past eight years,” Richmond footy boss Neil Balme said.

“Reece is a much-loved person at the Club and we respect his decision to return home to Western Australia.

“Everyone at Richmond joins me in wishing Reece the best of luck in his next chapter at Fremantle.”

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Richmond players get around Reece Conca after he seriously injured an ankle in Round 15. Pic: Michael Klein