Bontempelli delight at Johannisen deal
Jul 11, 2017 - 5:32 PM Jason Johannisen's Western Bulldogs teammates were never concerned the Norm Smith Medallist would be lost to the AFL premiers.Johannisen re-signed with the club this week, inking a deal until the end of the 2022 season.
The five-year-deal gives the South African-born half-back more job security than almost any other player in the league.
And it makes coach Luke Beveridge's task - of shortening the wait between Bulldogs flags - a little easier.
Teammate Marcus Bontempelli said the close friendships formed along the road to their premiership success meant he always believed the in-demand 24-year-old would spurn offers to play elsewhere to stay at Whitten Oval.
"We were always pretty confident in keeping him. We do know as players that things can play out sometimes this way," he said.
"We're all close mates firstly and foremost before being teammates.
"The most important thing for us as his teammates and friends was to support him. We were always hopeful and obviously optimistic of him re-signing."
Johannisen is one of nine Bulldogs with contracts beyond next season.
Key players - including Bontempelli, Lachie Hunter, Tom Boyd and Liam Picken - have all committed to the Bulldogs.
Bontempelli said Johannisen's signing would boost the club, currently struggling at 7-8 and sitting 11th on the ladder.
"It's great news for the club. It's great news for JJ," he said.
"He's earnt what he deserves. We can't wait to continue to play with him for the next five years."
PREMIERSHIP BULLDOGS WITH LONG-TERM TENURE
Signed up to end of 2019: Marcus Bontempelli, Caleb Daniel, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Hunter, Toby McLean, Liam Picken, Fletcher Roberts.
Signed up for longer: Luke Beveridge (2020), Tom Boyd (2021), Jason Johannisen (2022).
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Another big AFL profit for Bulldogs Dec 5
- McCartney leaves Bulldogs for GWS in AFL Nov 28
- Wood handed Bulldogs AFL captaincy again Nov 19
- Dogs disappointed with Good Friday snub Oct 30
- Travis Cloke calls time on AFL career Oct 25
- Bulldogs poach new CEO from Saints in AFL Oct 22
- Bulldogs talk tough on Stringer AFL deal Oct 5
- Murphy critical of Stringer's work ethic Sep 19
- No blame game for Stringer on AFL exit Sep 18
- Beveridge confirms AFL move for Stringer Sep 13
- Stringer to weigh up AFL future with 'Dogs Sep 6
- AFL Bulldogs re-sign Morris, Redpath, Webb Sep 2