Influential defender Jason Johannisen had a huge impact for the Western Bulldogs in 2019. 

He finished fourth in the best and fairest – despite an almost non-existent pre-season due to injury, which also saw him miss the first three games of the year.

But 2020 – so far – has been a very different story.

“I didn’t do any pre-season last year, and I’m fortunate enough my body’s feeling really good this pre-season,” Johannisen told media on the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.

“I haven’t missed a training session.

“Hopefully that continues and I can keep building and start the season off really well.”

Johannisen was among the leading lights in Sunday’s four-quarter match simulation session, providing his trademark drive off half-back and slotting a goal on the run from outside 50. 

“It was solid – we stepped it up to four quarters today,” he said.

“We had good numbers on the track so we gave it a real crack and the intensity out there was really good.

“Obviously there’s a lot more improvement to go, but it was a good standard.

“I think the boys will definitely feel it after this.”

Again, Marcus Bontempelli led from the front in match simulation according to Johannisen, as he cast his eye over the standout performers.

“I’d probably give Bont the three votes, I thought Hayden Crozier was really good in defence for the two, and Timmy English and Jack Macrae probably get one each,” he said.