WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has admitted he's concerned Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen has put contract negotiations on hold until season's end.
AFL.com.au reported on Tuesday the defensive playmaker's management and the Bulldogs were poles apart in discussions, and that the Johannisen camp wouldn't entertain further offers until the end of the season.
Beveridge revealed he had spoken to the 24-year-old about the stalemate, and had been assured by Johannisen that the former rookie wasn't looking to leave Whitten Oval.
"Yeah, (I am) a little bit (concerned)," Beveridge said on Thursday.
"I think the simple way to look at it is (Jason) has backed himself to have a great year, and leverage a contract for the future.
"It doesn't appear the lure of his (home) state (Western Australia) has anything to do with it.
"He wants to be a Bulldogs player, and that's encouraging.
"I take him at his word and he's a very honest person."
Beveridge reminded Johannisen of the added pressure that came with the decision to delay contract talks.
"I did talk him about what he takes on psychologically, he's aware of that (and) he's made a fully informed decision to put the contract talks off," Beveridge said.
"If 'JJ' can establish himself as that player who can demand the remuneration he's after, then full credit to him.
"But as I said to him, if at any stage of the year he feels he wants to get something done earlier, let's go there.
"There's no reason why he can't change his mind, but we'll work that out."
Second-year key defender Marcus Adams is the man most likely to replace the injured Dale Morris, with the three-pronged attack of Lance Franklin, Sam Reid and Kurt Tippett a real threat in Friday night's Grand Final rematch against the Sydney Swans at Etihad Stadium.
Beveridge said Adams was over the homesickness that saw him enquire about a trade to one of the Perth clubs during last year's trade period.
The hulking stopper held his own against star forwards Josh Kennedy, Taylor Walker and Matthew Pavlich last season before finger and foot injuries ended his debut campaign early.
"When I talk to Marcus, homesickness isn't a factor. He misses family, but we all do when we move away from home," Beveridge said.
"He played really well against Collingwood at VFL level last week, and we'll definitely consider him (for selection) today.
"It's more than likely he'll come in and replace Dale."
Teenage ruckman Tim English is still recovering shin soreness, but Beveridge said the 2016 first-round draft pick would be available for the opening round of the VFL season in two weeks time.
