Jason Johannisen is not worth $800,000, says Paul Roos
PAUL Roos says Jason Johannisen needs to be realistic with his contract asking price after the Swans showed the Western Bulldogs speedster can be shut out of games.
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PAUL Roos says Jason Johannisen’s inability to cope with Sydney’s targeting shows why he does not deserve an $800,000 price tag.
Johannisen was buffeted and bumped all match by Sydney in a prearranged tactic then was shut out of the contest by George Hewitt.
He responded with only nine possessions at 56 per cent effectiveness and 170 metres gained, as well as several disappointing defensive efforts.
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It came as the Dogs lost their fourth game in the past six, with coach Luke Beveridge saying his side had “stagnated”.
He was urged by Bulldogs premiership player Adam Cooney last month to stay at the Dogs if they offered him a four-year deal worth $600,000.
It is understood the Dogs won’t budge on a long-term deal worth around $550,000 a season.
His manager Tim Galic told the Herald Sun last week the Dogs have lodged an offer, with West Coast, Essendon and Fremantle suitors.
But Roos said Johannisen’s asking price — up to $800,000 — was unrealistic given he could still be shut out of games.
“That’s why he’s not an $800,000 player,’’ Roos told Fox Footy on Thursday night.
“What it shows tonight is that premiership teams need Jason Johannisen types. They need players with speed.
“But they’re the cream on the top. They’re not players you can build your team around. You absolutely need them.
“He’s absolutely a good player. But he’s not an $800,000 player.”
Cooney wrote recently that Johannisen does not owe the club anything after six years of solid service, including his Norm Smith Medal performance in the Grand Final.
He still believes he should stay at the club for a more modest sum.
“You don’t owe the club anything. They pay you to perform, to put your body on the line each week and to do all you can to help the team win. The minute the club believes that you can no longer perform for them they look they will look to move you on, which is 100 per cent understandable, but please don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you owe a debt to your club just because they drafted you.
“I would (still) stay at the Dogs provided the deal is fair. Four years at 600k should suffice.”
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