Luke Dahlhaus has announced his retirement after 12 seasons of AFL football.   

Dahlhaus leaves the game after playing 71 games for Geelong since crossing from the Western Bulldogs ahead of the 2019 season as an unrestricted free agent.

The versatile former Geelong Falcon played 225 games and kicked 141 goals after being taken with pick 70 in the 2011 Rookie Draft and was a key member of the Bulldogs’ 2016 Premiership team, the Club’s first in 62 years. 

Dahlhaus was promoted from the Rookie List midway through the 2011 season, debuting against St Kilda in Round 12, and was a fixture in the Bulldogs team until his move to Geelong ahead of the 2019 season. He would finish his career averaging 19 disposals and four tackles a game, including a career high 26 disposals and five tackles per contest in 2016.

Dahlhaus said he will leave the game most grateful for the enduring friendships he had developed over the course of his 12-year career. 

“I feel very lucky and honoured to have played at two amazing football clubs over 12 years and made friends that I will have for life,” Dahlhaus said.

“Thank you to everyone that has supported me along the way.”

Geelong General Manager of Football, Simon Lloyd said Dahlhaus has been an integral part of the Club since coming to GMHBA Stadium in 2019.

“Luke has had an exceptional career across two clubs, and we’ve been very fortunate to have him here in Geelong over the last four seasons,” Lloyd said. 

“On the field, he often set the tone for our group with his determination and team-first mentality, but he was equally important off the field, where his enthusiasm for teammates and his kind and giving nature made him one of the most popular members of our Club.”

“Retiring as a premiership player with a career spanning 225 games at the highest level is something that both Luke and his family should be very proud of, as I am sure they are. 

“We wish Luke all the very best for what comes next and thank him for his contribution to the Geelong Football Club.”