THE WESTERN Bulldogs have sacked first-year rookie Luke Goetz, stating the youngster had struggled with the demands of AFL football.

Bulldogs football manager Graham Lowe said the 202cm ruckman had not been able to meet the standards required by the club.

"After some promising early signs, Luke had difficulties finding his feet in an elite AFL program," Lowe told the Dogs’ website.

"It was mutually agreed that the level of commitment required to be an AFL player was too difficult for Luke at this stage of his life.
 
"The club had worked with Luke, his management and family throughout the season to help him consistently meet professional standards, and will continue to provide ongoing support for him from a welfare perspective."

The 18-year-old ruckman, selected by the club by pick No.29 in last year’s rookie draft, will now concentrate on his university studies.
 
"We wish Luke the best for his upcoming endeavours and hope it will include finding the passion to stay in the game at any level into the future," Lowe said.
 
A late bloomer, Goetz played only a few games for the Western Jets in his draft year, and it was enough to catch the eye of the Dogs' respected recruiter, Simon Dalrymple.

After several encouraging performances with Footscray, the light framed ruckman was surprisingly absent from the VFL team and wasn't named on the club's injury list.

Goetz's only senior experience this season was an expensive one after he was fined $1500 for Melbourne's pushing Colin Garland over the fence during the clubs' NAB Challenge clash in March.

Goetz's departure leaves the finals-bound Dogs' ruck division light on, with fellow big man Tom Campbell set to miss a number of weeks after scans revealed a hot spot in his foot.

Out of favour for much of the season, veteran Will Minson is the only other recognised ruckman in the VFL at Luke Beveridge's disposal.