A solid working relationship with his defensive coach has seen Jason Johannisen gain more than just metres in 2015.

The running defender has taken a step forward in his game this season, establishing himself as one of the most consistent half-backs in the league, alongside teammates Bob Murphy, Matthew Boyd and Easton Wood.

Johannisen has been an excitement machine, playing all 18 games this season and setting the Dogs up on a regular basis with his run and carry ability out of the backline.

The 22-year-old has attributed his solid season to his relationship with Bulldogs backline coach, and former Club great, Rohan Smith.

“Me and Smithy we’re so close, the boys always give us flak because they call me his love child,” Johannisen joked on Crocmedia’s Sportsday program on Monday night.

“He’s been tremendous for me, he’s helped me build my game to the level it is now and he still wants me to improve every week… I just love him.”

While Smith has nurtured the flair and speed that has always been a part of Johannisen’s repertoire, the defender said Smith continues to develop all facets of his game.

“He’s always working on my defending, he’s tried to help the negative parts of my game to become stronger.”

The close relationship is clearly working for Johannisen, who is averaging 20 disposals and five marks a match.

Perhaps his most encouraging stat is his ability to rack up ‘metres gained’ – notching up over 800 metres against the Bombers on Sunday.

“It’s always good to have a lot of metres gained, it means you’re taking the ball forward and hopefully setting up some forwards with some shots on goal.”