Jason Johannisen wins 2016 Norm Smith Medal

WESTERN Bulldogs playmaker Jason Johannisen has capped a fairytale season by winning the Norm Smith Medal. SEE HOW THEY VOTED

Jason Johannisen drives the Bulldogs against the Sydney Swans on Saturday. Picture: AAP

WE’RE not sure if Jason Johannisen is a Bruce Springsteen fan but he should be.

One of the biggest hits from ‘The Boss’ was entitled ‘Born to Run’ and that sums up the man they call JJ.

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It also sums up how he led the Western Bulldogs to its second premiership in 91 years.

In a gripping contest the dash and dare of Johannisen powered his team to victory and put a Norm Smith Medal around his neck.

“I’m so numb right now. This is a dream come true,” Johannisen said after the match.

“I’m so proud of the whole football club. It’s been a special ride and we’ve finished it off really well.”

The 23-year-old, who was playing just his 64th game, was the Dogs leading possession winner with 33 which included 25 kicks, seven marks and nine inside 50s.

He was quite simply the spark in the second half.

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Norm Smith Medal voting:
10 - Johannisen (3322)
8 - Kennedy (32111)
7 - T Boyd (313)
5 - L Picken (221)#AFLGF

— AFL (@AFL) October 1, 2016

While he had a few mates including big man Tom Boyd, onballer Jackson Macrae and hard nut Liam Picken, Johannisen’s leg speed was something Sydney couldn’t contain.

He appeared to kicked the matchwinner at the 18-minute mark of the final term only to have his goal from 50m reversed under review.

The replay showed there was just a millimetre in it with Sydney defender Jeremy Laidler just touching the ball before it had fully got over the goal line.

Jason Johannisen proved hard to catch for the Swans. Picture: Tim Carrafa

That would have made the lead 13 points and the reversal meant the game was still alive with six minutes remaining.

But like they have all year Johannisen and his teammates took the setback in their stride before going on to kick the final two goals of the game.

In the lead-up to the biggest game of his life, the South African, who grew up playing rugby, credited coach Luke Beveridge for giving him the confidence to play with freedom.

“I like a lot of positive reinforcement,” Johannisen admitted.

“Early in my career I struggled for self-belief, but at the minute I’m just sky-high and just believe I can play some good footy for the team and help them get a win.

“As soon as Bevo came in to our club his first thing was about building relationships with the players.

“It’s just the care he has for everyone and he knows how to get the best out of us.”

Norm Smith, votes 3 2 1:
B Johnson - Johannisen, Kennedy, Boyd.
E Quayle - Boyd, Johannisen, Kennedy.
W Carey - Boyd, Picken, Kennedy.

— Patrick Keane (@AFL_PKeane) October 1, 2016

Norm Smith votes part 2:
M Voss - Johannisen, Picken, Kennedy.
J Clark - Kennedy, Johannisen, Picken.
Ends

— Patrick Keane (@AFL_PKeane) October 1, 2016

Johannisen was eight years old when his parents moved from Johannesberg to Perth “to give me and my sister a better opportunity”.

“Growing up in South Africa, all I knew was rugby, so that’s what I started playing in Perth as a junior,” Johannisen says.

“My cousin was playing footy at the time and they needed some extra numbers and that’s when I went across and played and fell in love with the game.”

It’s fair to say the Western Bulldogs are very glad with that decision by Mr and Mrs Johannisen.