Star defender Jason Johannisen is starting to hit his straps, after a delayed start to 2019 through injury. 

The Bulldogs will be hoping the West Australian speedster can find his best on Sunday, as they look to upset the reigning premiers on their home turf.

“It wasn’t ideal not having a pre-season under my belt and going into my return not as match fit as I have been in previous years,” Johannisen told The Weekend West.

“I feel like my body is as good as it can be and I’m stringing together some OK form, I just want to keep building in the back half of the season.”

TEAM NEWS | DOGS CONFIRM THREE CHANGES

Johannisen is definitely building, much like the Eagles who have now won four on the trot – including an impressive come from behind win against Adelaide last week.

“It’s the sign of a good team, at times you’re not playing your best footy but you just do enough to get the four points,” Johannisen said.

“They have the potential to turn it on for a quarter and win the game, but we need a solid four-quarter effort so that’s going to be our challenge.

“We’re going to need everyone to have an impact to beat them because they’re such a quality side.”

FOUR THINGS TO WATCH | EAGLES v DOGS

And while he’s returning to Perth for the weekend, he has no desire to make the move back a permanent one.

“I obviously have family and some good friends back in Perth but back when I got drafted in 2010, the Bulldogs took a massive gamble on me as a rookie and my thought process was I always wanted to stay here long-term and repay the faith that they put in me,” Johannisen said.

“Obviously now I’ve got a lovely girlfriend and we’re going to start a family together, so Melbourne is definitely my home.”