FIRST-TIME Western Bulldogs skipper Jason Johannisen says he's more equipped to beat future tags after he "conceded" last week against Hawthorn.
In the absence of Marcus Bontempelli (appendix) and captain Easton Wood (hamstring), Johannisen will take the reins for Saturday's clash with Melbourne at the MCG.
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Ahead of the clash, which also doubles as his 100th game, Johannisen has spent the week working on his deficiencies.
Last week against Hawthorn, Johannisen was shut out of the Bulldogs' second-half capitulation. It is not the first time he has been tagged out of a game.
Coming into this football club, I never thought it could happen. Even to play one game and now 100 and captain, it will be really special.
Against the Hawks, he amassed 25 disposals in a blistering opening half, but Harry Morrison reduced him to seven touches after the main break as Hawthorn booted 12 of the last 14 goals.
"I thought I had a lot of impact in the first half and unfortunately dropped away," Johannisen told AFL.com.au.
"Looking at the vision with (defensive coach) Steven King, there's some ways I can stay involved in the game, so I'm going to look forward to bringing that this week.
"Probably using my strengths a bit more, I conceded a little bit (last week). I'm going to use my speed and my work rate to push to as many contests as I can to try and impact."
The Norm Smith medallist is averaging 20 disposals from all 15 games this season after being used in a variety of roles, including across half-forward.
A number of clubs physically targeted Johannisen last season after his feats in the 2016 premiership.
Ahead of Saturday's milestone, the 25-year-old reflected on a journey from a shy East Fremantle rookie, to leading his football club on the big stage.
"When I first came here (Whitten Oval) I didn't think I could play one game. I didn't really feel like I belonged here. I was such a raw player," Johannisen said.
"Coming into this football club, I never thought it could happen. Even to play one game and now 100 and captain, it will be really special.
"A lot of people have supported me, especially (assistant coach) Rohan Smith, he's someone who's really helped my development and he was able to get me to the next level."
The Dogs will meet Melbourne for the second time in six weeks. Johannisen identified limiting the inside ball as crucial to stopping the Demons.
It will be the first time on the MCG for the Dogs this season, and just their third game at the venue since the 2016 flag.
