Runner-up in this year’s Charles Sutton Medal, running-defender Jason Johannisen finished just one vote shy of winner Marcus Bontempelli after leading the count in Rounds eight, 16 and 20.

The West Australian jumped out of the gates with his start against Collingwood in Round One (30 disposals and two goals), finishing the season averaging 21 disposals per contest and was third at the Club for metres gained (8385), and intercept possessions (94).

He was impressive in Round 19 against the Bombers, kicking four goals in a performance which saw him recapture some of his earlier season form. 

Stat that mattered:

Johannisen signed a five-year contract extension in July.

What they said:

“I thought I started the season fairly well and made some good impact in the first few rounds. I had a challenging period in the middle there. I have a lot to learn from it and hopefully next year I’ll come back bigger and stronger.

“I want to be a one club player and the Western Bulldogs have given me a massive opportunity to live out my dream. I’d just like to repay them and hopefully play some good footy in the next five years.”

 - Jason Johannisen, September 2017.