Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is concerned by Jason Johannisen's decision to delay contract talks until the end of the season.
It was revealed on Tuesday that the 24-year-old's management and the Bulldogs are still “a long way apart over the terms of a new contract”, with Johannisen's camp set to wait until season's end before talking to the Bulldogs again in regards to a new deal.
Beveridge admitted he spoke to the Norm Smith Medallist following his decision, and said that despite his overall concern, he believes Johannisen does want to remain a Bulldog.
"Yeah, (I am) a little bit (concerned)," Beveridge said during Thursday's press conference.
"I think the simple way to look at it is (Jason) has backed himself to have a great year, and leverage a contract for the future.
"It doesn't appear the lure of his (home) state (Western Australia) has anything to do with it.
"He wants to be a Bulldogs player, and that's encouraging.
"I take him at his word and he's a very honest person."
