THE WESTERN Bulldogs have delisted Jason Johannisen, the only Norm Smith medallist in the club’s history.
The 32-year-old played 212 games for the Bulldogs, including 16 this year.
He is hopeful of continuing his AFL career at another club.
A rookie draft selection in 2010, Johannisen played just 27 games in his first four seasons at the Bulldogs before exploding in 2015.
He played 20 games that season before his memorable 2016 campaign; he picked up 10 Brownlow votes in 13 home-and-away games before enjoying a stunning finals campaign, capped off by a Norm Smith Medal in the club’s breakthrough Grand Final win over Sydney.
He had 33 disposals in the season decider, 25 of them kicks, and nine inside 50s as the Bulldogs won by 22 points.
Jason Johannisen in action during round 19, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos
He also played in the 2021 Grand Final loss to Melbourne as a forward, but has struggled with injury since then, playing 44 games in four seasons since.
“I’ll always be in debt to the Western Bulldogs for allowing me to live out my dream,” Johannisen said.
“It has been a privilege to pull on the red, white and blue each week, making lifelong mates and memories across my time at the club.
“Winning the 2016 premiership is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life, bringing so much joy to a fanbase that craved success.
“I still believe I can contribute at AFL level and will continue to pursue those opportunities in the near future, while harbouring ambitions of remaining in the game post career within the development and player welfare space.”
The Western Bulldogs’ Jason Johannisen kicks the ball during the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final match against Melbourne. Picture: AFL Photos
The departure of Johannisen means Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore are the only members of the 2016 Grand Final win to still be at the Bulldogs.
Premiership players Josh Dunkley (Brisbane), Jake Stringer (Greater Western Sydney), Jack Macrae (St Kilda), Caleb Daniel (North Melbourne) and Joel Hamling (Sydney) are still playing at other clubs.
Johannisen joins Liam Jones and Anthony Scott in being delisted by the Bulldogs this off-season, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has been traded to Gold Coast and Taylor Duryea has retired.
The Bulldogs secured Suns defender Connor Budarick in the recent trade period.
