The Western Bulldogs Football Club has decided not to offer Jason Johannisen a contract for the 2026 season.
A premiership player and the Club’s only Norm Smith Medallist, Johannisen departs the Club as a true great of the red, white and blue and is expected to explore his options elsewhere within the AFL.
Recruited at Pick 39 in the 2010 Rookie Draft, Johannisen's Bulldogs career spanned 15 seasons, including a pivotal role in the Club’s drought-breaking premiership in 2016.
The defender amassed 33 touches and seven marks in that famous Grand Final and was named best on ground, becoming a household name in the Bulldogs defensive end for the next decade.
A highly popular player and leader within the group, the 32-year-old played 212 games for the Bulldogs, kicking 77 goals.
Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge lauded the contribution of the defender across his decorated time at the Club.
“J has been a consistent performer over the course of his AFL journey,” Beveridge said. “He blossomed with a redefined approach to his game and working closely with Rohan Smith, Bob Murphy and Matthew Boyd, transformed the way we play our game through our high backmen.”
“He has been a tremendous leader on field and we have seen him grow as a person and now a family man as a father to Lola and Ziggy and a husband to Logan.
“He has always, through periods of injury, maintained a resolve and fought his way back into the team immediately through his diligence in his lay-off periods.
“We are very grateful for J’s contributions and we hope the future for him and his family is just as bright as his playing days with us!”
Johannisen said he was grateful and proud of his 15-year career at the Kennel.
“I’ll always be in debt to the Western Bulldogs for allowing me to live out my dream,” Johannisen said.
“It has been a privilege to pull on the red, white and blue each week, making lifelong mates and memories across my time at the Club.
“Winning the 2016 Premiership is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life, bringing so much joy to a fanbase that craved success.
“I still believe I can contribute at AFL level and will continue to pursue those opportunities in the near future, while harbouring ambitions of remaining in the game post career within the development and player welfare space.”
“Thank you to all the players, staff and supporters of the Western Bulldogs for always having my back, the Club is in great hands moving forward.”
