If there was any doubt that Jason Johannsien was back to his electrifying best, it was dispelled midway through the third quarter of last night’s 14-point win over North Melbourne.

The Bulldogs' speedster powered off of half-back, caught a handball from Luke Dahlhaus in the center circle and took a bounce before sending it through from 55 meters out.  

It was AFL footy at it's best, but perhaps more importantly, it showed the 23-year old had the confidence to take the game on again after an extended lay-off due to injury.

It was in round four against Cartlon that Johannisen hurt his hamstring on a similar play, but not last night, this time the ball sailed through half way up the post, and up went the single finger in celebration.

The joy on his face was palpable.

“I’ve missed about nine games so I’ve played five in a row now, so it’s good to be back,” he told Channel 7 post match.

With his 22 disposals, six marks and eight inside 50s, you can bet Luke Beveridge feels the same way. 

But Johannisen reserved praise for another returning defender, veteran Dale Morris.

Morris missed last week’s loss to Geelong with a hamstring complaint, but the steadying presence of the 225-gamer down back on Saturday night was an important part of the Dogs’ win.

Morris’ ability to mark opponents of varying shapes and sizes is matched only by his work rate and courage, his six one per-centers the third highest number on the ground.

“He’s the best in the business I reckon,” Johannisen said.

“His positioning and ability to take intercept marks is second to none and it really helps us.”