GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 09: Jason Johannisen of the Bulldogs runs the ball during the JLTR Community Series AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium on March 9, 2017 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
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."