As a young child Jason Johannisen may not have dreamed of lacing up the footy boots and stepping out onto the MCG.

Born in the buzzing metropolis of Johannesburg, a dream of lining up for the Springboks in the Tri-Nations or representing his country in the FIFA World Cup was more likely.

The idea of playing AFL football seemed farfetched when an eight year old Johannisen moved halfway across the world to live in Perth - but in the space of ten years it is funny how things change.

A decade later he would again uproot his life, this time to move to the AFL heartland of Melbourne to pursue his footballing dream.

Given his opportunity through the AFL Rookie Draft just a month after his eighteenth birthday, Johannisen was picked up with the Bulldogs second round selection in 2010, pick 39 overall.

The quiet and unassuming teenager was initially put up by a host family to ease the transition to Melbourne and his newfound life - a stopgap Johannisen found largely beneficial.

“Last year I moved in with a host family and I found that really good, they really helped me be comfortable in Melbourne - I enjoyed that,” Johannisen said.

Johannisen has since moved in with the Club’s Player Wellbeing Manager, Brett Goodes, as he continues to branch out and become more independent.

The past 18 months has seen more than just a change in scenery for the East Fremantle recruit, as he continues to develop his on-field prowess and emerge as one of the key players for VFL affiliate Williamstown.

Making a goal for himself last year to play at least one senior game for Williamstown, he well exceeded his expectation lining up for four.

“Last year I had a goal to play at least one senior game for Williamstown and now my goal is to play every game for Williamstown seniors,” he said.

He started the season in fine form and looked set to reach his goal until disaster struck in round six against Werribee where Johannisen sustained a knee injury restricting him to the sidelines for the following seven weeks.

His comeback from injury saw him line up to play a half for the Seagulls Development Squad a fortnight ago, but he again re-joined the senior side on Sunday in their clash against North Ballarat.

Excited to get back out on the park, the pacey utility is now looking to regain the form he was showing earlier in the season.

With Development Coaches Peter German, Chris Maple and Rohan Smith urging him to “take the game on and believe in himself”, Johannisen has seen his footy really improve in the past six months.

“I was playing with more confidence and just believed in myself,” he said.

“I have had plenty of coaches help me throughout the pre-season, so I feel that I am getting better as a player.

“Coming back for my second year I felt more comfortable and I knew the expectations so it has become a lot easier.”

Johannisen has also embraced the educational method of coaching from Senior Coach Brendan McCartney, believing it is really helping him develop his game.

“With Brendan here, he is a teacher - I have really enjoyed it and I think it is going to help my game,” he said.

“I think it is on the back of Macca’s teachings that have made me become a better player.

“He has put a bit of self-belief in me and it has all come together… I just want to play good footy now and whatever happens, happens.”

Highly regarded around the Club, JJ as he is more fondly known, has the speed and run that could benefit the Bulldogs in the coming years.

“My pace is my number one asset so I’d like to think I would use that and hopefully good ball use coming off the back line,” he said.

“I would like to play half back as a player but I can also push up onto the wing and use the run going forward.”

While limited to playing for Williamstown as a rookie listed player this year, Johannisen is remaining patient.

“For now it is just to get back to playing good footy and playing Williamstown seniors and if I keep that up then I will try to get an AFL game,”

“I think I can be a part of this Club and I want to be a part of this Club.”

Envisioning a future in the Red, White and Blue, Johannisen is ready and waiting in the wings for his ultimate chance.