Delisted Western Bulldogs premiership player Jason Johannisen has joined Hawthorn as a development coach for the 2026 season.
Johannisen spent 15 years at the Bulldogs, playing 212 games, including the 2016 flag triumph. He was also awarded the Norm Smith Medal.
However, the club opted to part ways with the dashing defender at the end of 2025, and although keen to continue his AFL journey, he has joined the Hawks to remain in football.
"On behalf of the club, I'd like to congratulate Jason on his appointment," Hawthorn EGM of Football Rob McCartney said.
"Over his 15-year playing career, Jason has demonstrated his willingness to succeed, drive competitive standards among his teammates and deal with adversity, traits that he can instil in our players for many years to come.
"We're delighted that Jason has chosen to remain in the industry as a development coach, and we know our players will really benefit from his experience and insights as someone who played at the elite level as recently as this year."
He will reunite with Daniel Giansiracusa, who took up a role as the head of development at Hawthorn following his departure from Essendon.
Giansiracusa coached the Footscray Bulldogs in the VFL in 2019, and would've spent time with Johannisen.
Johannisen will also work alongside David Mirra (VFL) and Jason Williams (development) in a new-look coaching department at Dingley.
