THE Western Bulldogs will "pass the hat around" to ensure Norm Smith Medallist Jason Johannisen remains at the club next season.

The dynamic running defender would command big money on the open market after his best on ground performance in last year's Grand Final victory against Sydney. 

Johannisen – who is out of contract at the end of this year – said talks with the Bulldogs about an extension were imminent.

"Hopefully a deal gets done soon," Johannisen told SEN on Wednesday morning.

Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy was confident that Johannisen wouldn't be going anywhere.

"He's a star and if that means we have to pass the hat around for loose change to keep him, that's how we'll do it," Murphy said.

Johannisen has played 64 games for the Bulldogs after being taken with the 105th overall pick in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft. 

Opposition teams are sure to put more effort into finding ways to negate Johannisen's influence off half-back. 

But the speedy Dog himself believes that would be a dangerous tactic with other players capable of filling the role.

"The way our team plays, we're going to have a lot of players that will give us drive," Johannisen said. 

"If someone gives me a bit of tension we'll have Bob (Murphy) or Shane Biggs or Matthew Boyd running ragged.

"So if it comes, it comes, but I think we can deal with it." 

The Bulldogs came from nowhere to claim the flag last season, winning three finals on the road before upsetting the Swans to end a 62-year premiership drought. 

Johannisen said the Bulldogs had discussed how they would handle the increased expectations as the reigning premiers.

"We spoke about it, but the power of this group is that 2016 is behind us and it's going to be a fresh new season," he said. 

"All we can concentrate on each session is trying to get better."