Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen signs new two-year deal with the Western Bulldogs

One Bulldogs premiership player shunned interest form another club to stay but there could be a teammate who walks out the door as AFL trade season looms.

Bulldog Jason Johannisen . Pic: Michael Klein

Western Bulldogs premiership player Jason Johannisen has shunned interest from the Gold Coast and signed a two-year contract extension which will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2024 season.

Johannisen, the 2016 Norm Smith medallist, had been linked to the Suns after playing just eight games in 2022, the last season of a a five-year contract he signed in 2017.

Gold Coast reportedly put a three-year contract in front of the 29-year-old, who was a free agent, but he instead signed on to continue a decade-long association with the Bulldogs.

“The Western Bulldogs is a really special place to me and I couldn’t be happier to get the chance to continue playing football here for the next few years,” Johannisen said.

“It’s a really positive time to be a part of this team, our list is exciting as we continue to strive for sustained success.

JJ stays in the red, white + blue 🐶

✍️ More details: https://t.co/pd7Xh9sQ3Vpic.twitter.com/KhlQEgD5yr

— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) September 26, 2022

“I’ve got lifelong friends here, I love pulling on the red, white and blue each week in front of our amazing supporters and fans.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to the club for having the faith in me throughout my career and into the future.”

Johannisen’s move comes amid reports that fellow premiership player Lachie Hunter could be looking at a move away from the Bulldogs after an interrupted 2022.

Hunter, who is two years in to a five-year contract, was left out of the senior side in the Dogs’ season-opener against Melbourne befor egetting a late reprieve to play.

The 26=year-old also took indefinite leave a month later to deal with personal issues and didn’t return to the senior side until Round 16 and only played 10 games for the season.