I'd lost belief: How VFL stint helped flag Dog find his bark

[Testekill]

https://www.afl.com.au/news/616612/i-d-lost-belief-how-vfl-stint-helped-flag-dog-find-his-bark

WHEN Jason Johannisen was left out of the Western Bulldogs' AAMI Community Series pre-season game, and then again for their round one blockbuster with Collingwood, a sense of surprise echoed around the competition. But not for Johannisen himself.
The 2016 premiership star and Norm Smith medallist had known his form was awry and had sensed in the build-up to this season his place was in jeopardy. By the time the team was picked, the 28-year-old had come to terms with having to win back his spot.
"Last year and probably a bit at the start of this year I'd lost that belief and confidence in my ability and whether I was playing to the ability I knew I could," he told AFL.com.au.
"'Bevo' (coach Luke Beveridge) has always been so supportive and always backed me in but we got to a point there where it was the right time to go back to the VFL and have that circuit breaker. It was about going back and doing what I do best and use my strengths.

"There was definitely a bit of fresh air going back to the VFL and I wasn't putting that pressure on myself to perform."

Johannisen watched on as the Bulldogs beat the Magpies, and the next week was the unused medical substitute for his side. By round three, he had edged his way back into the in-form Dogs' line-up.

"I accepted it pretty quick. In this industry everything moves so fast I kept a positive outlook because if you dwell and think negatively it can just keep rolling and you probably won't find your form. I just accepted it as quickly as possible and looked at the positives of getting back to playing some good footy and was well supported by the coaches and all my teammates," he said.

"I feel like I'm back to playing some good footy and having an influence in a new role."

Behind the scenes, Johannisen was working on transforming himself as a new player when he returned. On the eve of this season, Beveridge spoke to the flying half-back about a change of position, saying there would be opportunities as a speedy medium forward who finished his work around goal and applied pressure.
With the club's group of half-backs impressing – Bailey Dale, Caleb Daniel and Bailey Williams have all been huge – the Dogs spotted a way to use Johannisen in attack.
"They've always been really big on having speed in the front half and obviously our defenders are playing really well," he said. "It hasn't been a lot of time preparing for the role but I do think I'm growing in confidence and belief in that position."
Johannisen's best game since his return came on Saturday night, when he kicked two goals from 12 disposals in the Dogs' tough win over Port Adelaide. Coach Luke Beveridge said Johannisen had to adjust his approach.
"It's difficult for those small to medium forward role players as far as the statistical game goes. People say the key forwards have got the most challenging position on the ground but at least we kick it to the key forwards," Beveridge said.
"The small to mediums have got to crumb, get out in space, put pressure on and are really sensitive to what their teammates are doing up the ground. We've been rapt with how hard he's worked. He's using his speed, the pressure he's put on for us, without accumulating a lot of the Sherrin and then against Port Adelaide we thought he had a pretty complete small-to-medium game.
"That's going to fluctuate week to week, we've seen that with all the teams and as long as they're doing their best, especially defensively the guys who are playing there, it really helps us."
Johannisen, who played his 150th game in round eight, was one of seven members of the Dogs' 2016 premiership side to face the Power last week, with his line-breaking run and carry out of defence a key facet of their rise to the breakthrough flag. The club, which sits second on the ladder this season after an 8-1 start to the year, hasn't won a final since then, having lost back-to-back elimination finals, including last year's defeat to Saturday night's opponent St Kilda.
"It's definitely felt like it's been a while and it's definitely in the past. This football club has always been about the now and in the present. I probably won't reflect on that year until I'm retired and outside the game," he said.

"It's all about how we can win the next one and as a team how we can keep improving to be the best again."
Johannisen's performance in the Grand Final will live on in Bulldogs' minds forever, and the fans regularly want to discuss the magical premiership run. But Johannisen has his eye on the next one, and in a new part of the ground.
"You do find here and there people do thank you for your efforts in 2016 because it was such a long time and such a long drought since we'd won one as a football club so there was that appreciation there from the supporters which is nice. Hopefully we're not far away from another one and we can put more smiles on our supporters' faces," he said.

[EasternWest]

What a timely article.

[Testekill]

It seems like he's settled into his role. Last week he was really important and tonight he was running and tackling. He doesn't have to score if he's doing the non-negotiables like them.

[bulldogtragic]

The not tackling version of a month ago, didn’t deserve a game. The pressure tackling version in the last two weeks shouldn’t be dropped.

It’s clear he’s good enough to do the role. If he brings it, he locks in the spot over Scott or McNeil out when our injury list gets better. It’s up to him to keep delivering like he has been very recently.

[Mofra]

He was outstanding tonight

[KT31]

His best game in four years tonight.

[Hotdog60]

I had lost faith in JJ and it's good to see has moved a little bit closer to restoring some of that faith.
Dale is doing better in JJ's old spot than the after 2016 version of JJ so he needs to reinvent himself in a new role.
Tackling pressure in the forward half is a necessity in the modern game so it will be a great asset for the team if JJ can nail this role.
When you look back over his career I don't think tackling was ever one of his strong suits so its pleasing to see this improving.

[DOG GOD]

I’ve said before, JJ has gone up a notch since Weightman coming in. I think Weightmans enthusiasm has heightened what JJ needs to do, and they have worked extremely well together.

[bornadog]

I’ve said before, JJ has gone up a notch since Weightman coming in. I think Weightmans enthusiasm has heightened what JJ needs to do, and they have worked extremely well together.

Don't forget JJ had to learn the new role, but like everyone else I had my doubts he was playing the right position.

I hope he continues the way he played last night. That run down the middle of the ground that ended up with the tackle was brilliant.

[DOG GOD]

Don't forget JJ had to learn the new role, but like everyone else I had my doubts he was playing the right position.

I hope he continues the way he played last night. That run down the middle of the ground that ended up with the tackle was brilliant.

Agree, he just looks rejuvenated, and has that spark back. Looks to be enjoying his role, and yes, that rundown was like a man possessed and wanting to succeed in this new role. Would love to see him take Salem to the cleaners next week.

[Go_Dogs]

JJ is flying after a few good weeks. His speed is so important - we don’t have anyone who can chase down and close the space like JJ does. His ability to kick goals on the run is helpful too.

If he can get some more easy ball out the back running to the goal square and/or crumb a few goals he becomes a very well rounded small to medium forward that ticks the boxes we’ve been crying out for.

[bornadog]

JJ is flying after a few good weeks. His speed is so important - we don’t have anyone who can chase down and close the space like JJ does. His ability to kick goals on the run is helpful too.

If he can get some more easy ball out the back running to the goal square and/or crumb a few goals he becomes a very well rounded small to medium forward that ticks the boxes we’ve been crying out for.

Vandermeer also showed some glimpses similar to what JJ is showing

[SonofScray]

Going to need to see the past fortnight repeated in a few different contexts to fully regain my trust, but JJ appears to have settled into a new role and patched up whatever had him in knots as a footballer. Playing to his strengths again and with some confidence, he looked a million bucks applying pressure and wheeling about in the forward half.

[hujsh]

Vandermeer also showed some glimpses similar to what JJ is showing

I like Vanders in a contest more than JJ but those undisciplined acts probably gives JJ the edge at the moment. Disposal and goal kicking from JJ has been better too (disposal being a knock on his game in defense funnily enough)

[Ghost Dog]

Here's to positive thinking JJ. Well done. That 40 meter run-down tackle was sweet.

[WBFC4FFC]

I like Vanders in a contest more than JJ but those undisciplined acts probably gives JJ the edge at the moment. Disposal and goal kicking from JJ has been better too (disposal being a knock on his game in defense funnily enough)

Given Vanders is effectively out indefinitely, thank God JJ has stepped-up. Having both up forward would be huge.

[westdog54]

Here's to positive thinking JJ. Well done. That 40 meter run-down tackle was sweet.

I just watched it back on Al's Multi call on YouTube.

You can actually see him pick up a great with his chase when the ball is kicked to Butler, then as Butler turns to play on, his face seems to light up, he knew he was going to run him down and found ANOTHER gear to make sure he got there.

Its actually phenomenal to watch.

[SquirrelGrip]

I just watched it back on Al's Multi call on YouTube.

You can actually see him pick up a great with his chase when the ball is kicked to Butler, then as Butler turns to play on, his face seems to light up, he knew he was going to run him down and found ANOTHER gear to make sure he got there.

Its actually phenomenal to watch.


https://youtu.be/pTYMtBAKxBk

[Topdog]

Awesome watch, the SEN call was great.

Seriously how poor was Hunter Clark there, no block, no communication, just lets his teammate get crunched.

[Happy Days]

Should’ve been 50 too.

[HOSE B ROMERO]

Agree, he just looks rejuvenated, and has that spark back. Looks to be enjoying his role, and yes, that rundown was like a man possessed and wanting to succeed in this new role. Would love to see him take Salem to the cleaners next week.

JJ will have Salem's Lot.

[EasternWest]

JJ will have Salem's Lot.

Booooooo

[Eastdog]

https://youtu.be/pTYMtBAKxBk

Great video. Thanks for sharing SQ. Loved that rundown by JJ.

[bulldogtragic]

The not tackling version of a month ago, didn’t deserve a game. The pressure tackling version in the last two weeks shouldn’t be dropped.

It’s clear he’s good enough to do the role. If he brings it, he locks in the spot over Scott or McNeil out when our injury list gets better. It’s up to him to keep delivering like he has been very recently.

MIA tonight. Jekyl & Hyde stuff. Plus, if he’s not impacting up forward surely Bevo can roll him back and move someone else up. We needed senior players to lead, for whatever reason he was one of a few.

[The bulldog tragician]

MIA tonight. Jekyl & Hyde stuff. Plus, if he’s not impacting up forward surely Bevo can roll him back and move someone else up. We needed senior players to lead, for whatever reason he was one of a few.

Is there any reason he couldn’t play wing? Butler was there (I think) while JJ languished.

[bulldogtragic]

Is there any reason he couldn’t play wing? Butler was there (I think) while JJ languished.

Not to my mind. But Bevo clearly wanted him well contained deep forward not impacting the game it appeared.

[jeemak]

I'm not really pinning anything on the forwards tonight. JJ wasn't great but the set up and the service from defence, coupled with our midfield being a bit off colour meant things played into Melbourne's hands too readily and our forwards suffered because of it.

The role JJ is playing is a bloody tough one to play well each week. He had four tackles and a couple of decent moments without scoring. Bailey Smith playing in the midfield and in the play most of the game only had three tackles.

[1eyedog]

This thread is not aging well.

[comrade]

Hard to tell from TV but Salem has been huge for Melbourne all year and had no impact against us. If that was due to JJ then I think he performed his role.

[EasternWest]

This thread is not aging well.

Maybe a bit rough - if JJ shit Salem out (IF, not sure if he was on him but the vibe seems to be he did) then he's done his job again.

Edit: I'm not changing it, it's funny. But I meant to say "shut".

[Bulldog Joe]

Hard to tell from TV but Salem has been huge for Melbourne all year and had no impact against us. If that was due to JJ then I think he performed his role.

This was my thought om it.

Pity we can't get some knowledgeable person in the commentary team to explain things you don't see on the coverage.

[comrade]

This was my thought om it.

Pity we can't get some knowledgeable person in the commentary team to explain things you don't see on the coverage.

The stats make for strange reading. You would think we performed much better by looking at the teams numbers - ahead in inside 50s, disposals, clearances, marks, tackles etc. Important Melbourne ball movers were well down on output: Salem didn't influence and Langdon and Hunt's numbers were well down. Pickett did nothing of note, Jackson was quiet.

Yet we never really got within 3 goals after the first 20 mins. Weird game.

[jeemak]

The stats make for strange reading. You would think we performed much better by looking at the teams numbers - ahead in inside 50s, disposals, clearances, marks, tackles etc. Important Melbourne ball movers were well down on output: Salem didn't influence and Langdon and Hunt's numbers were well down. Pickett did nothing of note, Jackson was quiet.

Yet we never really got within 3 goals after the first 20 mins. Weird game.

Efficiency inside fifty, scoring accuracy and contested marks differential all stand out, and if I knew where to find the scores from turnovers stats I'd be surprised if they didn't as well.

[Mofra]

The stats make for strange reading. You would think we performed much better by looking at the teams numbers - ahead in inside 50s, disposals, clearances, marks, tackles etc. Important Melbourne ball movers were well down on output: Salem didn't influence and Langdon and Hunt's numbers were well down. Pickett did nothing of note, Jackson was quiet.

Yet we never really got within 3 goals after the first 20 mins. Weird game.
We got a lot of stats by constantly trying to switch the ball as Melbourne did such a good job of defending the ground.
We did get clearances around the ground but not many clean ones.

[Mofra]

Efficiency inside fifty, scoring accuracy and contested marks differential all stand out, and if I knew where to find the scores from turnovers stats I'd be surprised if they didn't as well.
Over 10 goals IIRC. A huge spike compared to other games.

[jeemak]

They actually had ten more clangers than us though.......

[jeemak]

Over 10 goals IIRC. A huge spike compared to other games.

That seems like a few.

[comrade]

Efficiency inside fifty, scoring accuracy and contested marks differential all stand out, and if I knew where to find the scores from turnovers stats I'd be surprised if they didn't as well.

Yeah, Melbourne just didn't cough up the ball in the same way we did, just handed them clean scoring opportunities where as they made us hustle for everything going forward.

Slow and methodical is not our blueprint at all and they forced us into that, kudos to their coaching and adherence. We need pace in our ball movement and the early turnovers made us gun shy I think.

[jeemak]

Yeah, Melbourne just didn't cough up the ball in the same way we did, just handed them clean scoring opportunities where as they made us hustle for everything going forward.

Slow and methodical is not our blueprint at all and they forced us into that, kudos to their coaching and adherence. We need pace in our ball movement and the early turnovers made us gun shy I think.

Yeah I don't think going slow against them is really viable now that their midfield/ stoppage prowess is evident in addition to their clearly excellent intercept marking capability.

Whoever wants to be successful against them needs to bring the pressure game and move quickly once in possession to stop them from setting up.

[Happy Days]

Yeah, Melbourne just didn't cough up the ball in the same way we did, just handed them clean scoring opportunities where as they made us hustle for everything going forward.

Slow and methodical is not our blueprint at all and they forced us into that, kudos to their coaching and adherence. We need pace in our ball movement and the early turnovers made us gun shy I think.

Yep - they denied us the corridor at all costs and forced us to play into their waiting hands. Their performance deserves to be commended as much as ours does derided.

I wish that our risk appetite for switching was equalled with balls into the corridor when it became clear we were getting heated either way, but let's not pretend we weren't forced into it.

[bornadog]

Yeah I don't think going slow against them is really viable now that their midfield/ stoppage prowess is evident in addition to their clearly excellent intercept marking capability.

Whoever wants to be successful against them needs to bring the pressure game and move quickly once in possession to stop them from setting up.

We won the clearances and stoppages but didn't use the ball well.

I watched a couple of replays yesterday of a few quarters from different games, and I hardly saw any of this switching play from one side of the ground to the other, and if we did switch, we had long kicks down the line.

We have to get back to fast ball movement from the backline. I miss JJ down there, running through the corridor, taking bounces and hitting up someone in the forward half.

[Axe Man]

Over 10 goals IIRC. A huge spike compared to other games.

I'm pretty sure I also heard we had more scored against us from turnovers in the first quarter than we have had in any other entire game this year.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I'm pretty sure I also heard we had more scored against us from turnovers in the first quarter than we have had in any other entire game this year.
Yep. We had 6 goals against from turnovers up to half time I think it was.
We've been very good at limiting scores from turnover this year.

[comrade]

The silver lining is that it's round 11, not round 21 so Bevo and the squad have time to devise a plan. We know what Melbourne will throw at us, they're predictable (and bloody good). We also have a second crack at them to see if our new plan stacks up prior to finals. Another 5+ goal loss would be very concerning but until then, we need to keep banking wins as starting with Freo.

[Mofra]

Yep - they denied us the corridor at all costs and forced us to play into their waiting hands. Their performance deserves to be commended as much as ours does derided.

I wish that our risk appetite for switching was equalled with balls into the corridor when it became clear we were getting heated either way, but let's not pretend we weren't forced into it.
I do find it interesting we didn't bring Naughton/English into the centre when that started happening (when we had the ball in the back half).
May was clearly going to let Naughton run up to accept the mark as soon as he was out of scoring position so we just had to use him as a link man a bit more. English should be outmarking any third defender in the competition 9 times out of 10.

I suspect we learn a lot from that game.

[comrade]

I do find it interesting we didn't bring Naughton/English into the centre when that started happening (when we had the ball in the back half).
May was clearly going to let Naughton run up to accept the mark as soon as he was out of scoring position so we just had to use him as a link man a bit more. English should be outmarking any third defender in the competition 9 times out of 10.

I suspect we learn a lot from that game.

Again, hard to tell from home, but English really has to come up higher more often when the ball movement stagnates across half back even just to bring the ball to ground and give us an opportunity to win the ground ball and put some speed on our movement.