High energy and relentless pressure are two keys indicators for success in this abbreviated 2020 AFL season, according to Bulldogs dashing defender Jason Johannisen.

With 16 rounds remaining in the campaign, and shorter quarters the new normal, executing an up-tempo style and putting on early scoreboard pressure will go a long way to racking up the wins.

“You need to have that energy for the whole game, and with shorter quarters you’ll be able to produce that,” Johannisen told SEN radio.

“That pressure is going to be key this year.  Whoever can win the ball back as soon as they can, especially in their forward half, and put scoreboard pressure on, is going to be massive.

“Obviously it’s a shorter game, and you don’t have much time to come back.”

The Bulldogs were jumped by Collingwood early in their Round 1 contest and could not recover, eventually falling by 52 points.

It’ll be a long wait – 86 days to be exact – between that disappointing loss and the next opportunity for the Dogs to redeem themselves.

“It was difficult because we went into isolation straight away, that Monday, and we couldn’t really review the game.  We did it via online,” Johannisen said.

“The biggest learnings we got was we just couldn’t move the ball.  That’s been a focus since we’ve been back at training.

“We need to be more direct, and move the ball better.  All credit to Collingwood, they were fantastic on that night.

“We feel like we’ve got a lot of things to work on and we’re looking to improve.”

The Bulldogs play St Kilda on Sunday, June 14 at 6.05pm, the first of a four-game block which includes clashes with GWS, Sydney and North Melbourne.