REIGNING Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen has put contract talks with the Western Bulldogs on hold until the end of the season.
Johannisen's manager, Tim Galic of SMA Sports Agents, told AFL.com.au on Tuesday there had been no movement in his recent talks with the Bulldogs, with the parties remaining a long way apart over the terms of a new contract.
Given this impasse, Galic said he had told the Bulldogs he wanted to discontinue negotiations until the end of the season.
Johannisen is due to come out of contract at the end of 2017, but will be one year shy of qualifying for free agency.
Some club sources believe the West Australian is seeking up to $700,000 a season to re-sign with the Bulldogs.
He did not do his cause any harm with a blazing performance against Collingwood in round one, when he finished with 30 possessions and two goals to earn eight votes in the AFLCA award.
The 24-year-old has emerged as one of the AFL's most explosive rebounding defenders in recent seasons and would appeal to any club looking to bolster its run off half-back.
AFL.com.au contacted the Bulldogs but they said they would prefer not to comment.
Johannisen finished sixth in the Bulldogs' best and fairest award in a breakthrough 2015 season, then followed that with a 10th placing last season despite missing nine games with injury.
Johannisen was one of the Bulldogs' stars in their fairytale 2016 finals campaign, averaging almost 25 possessions across the four games.
He shone brightest on the biggest stage, running Sydney ragged in the Grand Final to finish with 33 possessions, nine inside 50s and seven rebound 50s. He polled 10 of a possible 15 votes in the Norm Smith Medal to win by two from Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy.
Johannisen joined the Bulldogs at pick No.39 in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft at the end of 2010, and made his debut in round 19, 2012.
He has since played 65 games and kicked 20 goals.
