The Western Bulldogs have decided against offering a new contract to 2016 Norm Smith Medal winner Jason Johannisen as well as Caleb Poulter.
The Dogs' premiership hero was eligible for free agency this year, but with no rival suitor emerging, was left to wait until after the trade period to know his fate.
The Bulldogs attained Connor Budarick from Gold Coast as their only acquistion, while key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan went the other way in a separate trade deal.
Johannisen played 16 games at AFL level this year, with his campaign delayed due to a hamstring injury. That ailment followed a series of setbacks that kept the defender to just 28 games across the previous three years.
Despite playing in the final nine games of the season, Johannisen's time with the Dogs has come to an end after 212 career games, with the club deciding to delisting the half-back on Tuesday.
“I'll always be in debt to the Western Bulldogs for allowing me to live out my dream,” Johannisen said in a club statement.
“It has been a privilege to pull on the red, white and blue each week, making lifelong mates and memories across my time at the Club.
“Winning the 2016 Premiership is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life, bringing so much joy to a fanbase that craved success.
“I still believe I can contribute at AFL level and will continue to pursue those opportunities in the near future, while harbouring ambitions of remaining in the game post career within the development and player welfare space.”
“Thank you to all the players, staff and supporters of the Western Bulldogs for always having my back, the Club is in great hands moving forward.”
Johannisen joined the Bulldogs as a rookie selection in 2010 and would make his debut in his second season with the club.
The South African-born backman was a mainstay by 2015, and would be a key piece in the club's run to its drought-breaking premiership victory the following year.
Culminating a purple patch of finals form was his Norm Smith Medal-winning performance against Sydney on the biggest of stages, with Johannisen amassing 33 disposals, nine inside 50s and seven rebound 50s in the season decider.
Poulter arrived at the Whitten Oval via the 2023 MSD following a stint at Collingwood where he played 12 games.
He added 23 matches across three seasons, but has been informed of his future.
"It's never easy at this time of the year as difficult list decisions are made. We thank Caleb for the valuable contribution he has made across his time at the Bulldogs," Bulldogs EGM of Men's Football Sam Power said.
The delisting adds to the exits of Taylor Duryea (retired), Liam Jones (delisted), Anthony Scott (delisted) and the aformentioned Ugle-Hagan (Gold Coast Suns) at the Kennel this off-season.
