Western Bulldogs midfielder Marcus Bontempelli says he can’t wait to play with Jason Johannisen for the next five seasons after the dashing half-back recommitted to the Club this week.
Johannisen, who was out of contract at the end of the 2017 season, agreed to terms on a deal on Monday that will keep him at VU Whitten Oval until at least the end of 2022.
Speaking to gathered media on Tuesday afternoon, Bontempelli said he was always confident Johannisen would re-sign, but until he did, it was as much about supporting his friend as it was about getting a deal done.
“At the end of the day we’re all close mates first and foremost … and I think the most important thing for us as his teammates and as his friend is to support him however we could,” he said.
“I think all along we’re always hopeful and optimistic of him re-signing, but we do know as players things can play out this way with contracts and what not.
“It’s great news for the Club, great news for ‘JJ’ that he’s earnt what he deserves and we can’t wait to continue to play with him for the next five years.”
Bontempelli said Wood will be keenly missed.
“It’s tough to replace guys of that calibre, especially the quality of Easton in terms of his leadership.
“[But] that’s something we’ve always been pretty good at, the depth in this team, the quality of people we have at this football club, there’s a number of players that are putting their hand up each week to play.
“And once again, we just try and spread the load from that point of view, whether that’s on field stuff or the leadership side of things.
“We’re not short of players that are willing to do that, and there’ll be many players that’ll be putting their hand up to take over the responsibility.
