Recently delisted Bulldogs utility Jason Johannisen will play football for the Deer Park Lions in 2026, the Essendon District Football League side has confirmed.
Johannisen spent 15 years at the Bulldogs, playing 212 games, and featured at senior level 16 times in 2025. Despite playing in the final nine games of the season, however, Johannisen's time with the Dogs came to an end in October, with the club opting to delist the 2016 premiership hero, who claimed the Norm Smith Medal thanks to his drought-breaking 33 disposals and seven score involvements in the decider.
At Deer Park, Johannisen will join former teammate Lin Jong, who linked up with the Lions in 2025 following a two-year stint at Eastern Football Netball League club Mulgrave.
Deer Park stated that the 33-year-old is expected to play "six to eight games" while balancing coaching duties at Hawthorn, with Johannisen hired as the Hawks' development coach for 2026 late last year.
"JJ is going to be an exciting watch for the Deer Park faithful with his leg speed, evasive skills and elite kicking," Deer Park's club statement read.
"He is employed full-time as an assistant coach at Hawthorn, but expects to be available for a minimum of six to eight games throughout the home and away season.
"We welcome Jason to the club."
