jason johannisen

Premiership Hero and Young Talent Face Delisting: What's Happening in the AFL?

The Australian Football League (AFL) is a constantly evolving landscape, with clubs making tough decisions to refine their lists and chase premiership glory. Recently, the football world has been abuzz with news of delistings, including that of Jason Johannisen from the Western Bulldogs, a player who played a pivotal role in their drought-breaking 2016 premiership victory, and young players from Essendon. This article delves into the details of these delistings, exploring the reasons behind them, the impact on the players and clubs involved, and what the future might hold.

Recent Updates: Bombers and Bulldogs Make List Changes

In a flurry of activity, both Essendon and the Western Bulldogs have announced changes to their playing lists. Essendon confirmed that they would not be offering new contracts to Ben Hobbs and Alastair Lord for the 2026 season, while the Western Bulldogs have delisted Jason Johannisen. These decisions, while often difficult, are a necessary part of list management in the highly competitive AFL environment.

Essendon's Decisions: Hobbs and Lual to Depart

Essendon Football Club recently announced that Ben Hobbs and Alastair Lual will not be offered contracts for the 2026 season. This news comes as a blow to both players, who had hoped to continue their careers with the Bombers. Ben Hobbs was a former first-round draft pick and Alastair Lual was a young speedster. "Hobbs, Lual not offered contracts for 2026" according to essendonfc.com.au.

Western Bulldogs Say Goodbye to a Premiership Player

The Western Bulldogs have made the difficult decision to delist Jason Johannisen, a player who etched his name into club folklore with his outstanding performance in the 2016 Grand Final. Johannisen's speed and skill were instrumental in the Bulldogs' historic premiership win, but after several years of service, the club has decided to move in a different direction.

Contextual Background: The Harsh Reality of AFL List Management

List management is a crucial aspect of AFL club operations. Each year, clubs must make tough calls on which players to retain and which to delist. These decisions are based on a variety of factors, including player performance, age, injury history, salary, and the overall needs of the team.

Delisting a player is never an easy decision, as it means ending their career with that particular club. However, it is a necessary part of ensuring that clubs have the best possible chance of success. Clubs must constantly evaluate their playing lists and make changes to improve their competitiveness.

The Importance of List Turnover

List turnover is essential for AFL clubs to stay competitive. As players age, their performance inevitably declines, and clubs must be willing to move on from them in order to make room for younger, more talented players. This constant cycle of renewal is what keeps the AFL fresh and exciting.

The Emotional Toll of Delisting

While delisting is a necessary part of the AFL, it can take a significant emotional toll on the players involved. Being told that your services are no longer required can be a devastating blow, especially for players who have dedicated years of their lives to the sport. Clubs have a responsibility to support delisted players and help them transition to the next phase of their lives.

Immediate Effects: Uncertainty and New Opportunities

The immediate effect of these delistings is uncertainty for the players involved. They now face the prospect of finding a new club or pursuing opportunities outside of football. For the clubs, the delistings free up salary cap space and create opportunities to bring in new talent.

What's Next for Jason Johannisen?

For Jason Johannisen, the delisting marks the end of an era with the Western Bulldogs. He will now explore his options, which could include seeking a trade to another AFL club or exploring opportunities in other leagues. Johannisen's experience and skill would be valuable assets to any team, and it will be interesting to see where he lands next.

Opportunities for Essendon's Young Guns

While the delistings of Ben Hobbs and Alastair Lual are disappointing, they also create opportunities for other young players at Essendon. The club will now be looking to develop its younger talent and give them opportunities to shine on the AFL stage. This could lead to the emergence of new stars for the Bombers in the years to come.

Future Outlook: The Ever-Changing Landscape of the AFL

The delistings of Jason Johannisen, Ben Hobbs and Alastair Lual serve as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of the AFL. Clubs are constantly evolving, and players must adapt to survive. The future of the AFL is likely to see more player movement and greater emphasis on youth development.

The Rise of Youth

AFL clubs are increasingly focused on developing young talent through their academy programs. This emphasis on youth development is likely to lead to a more dynamic and exciting brand of football, as young players bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the game.

The Importance of Adaptability

In the modern AFL, players must be adaptable to survive. Clubs are looking for players who can play multiple positions and contribute in a variety of ways. Players who are willing to learn and evolve are more likely to have long and successful careers in the AFL.

Jason Johannisen: A Premiership Hero's Legacy

Jason Johannisen's delisting from the Western Bulldogs marks the end of an era for both the player and the club. His contribution to the 2016 premiership victory will forever be etched in the memories of Bulldogs fans. Johannisen's journey from a rookie draft pick to a premiership hero is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent.

A Grand Final Performance to Remember

Johannisen's performance in the 2016 Grand Final was one for the ages. He was awarded the Norm Smith Medal as the best player on the ground, capping off a remarkable season. His speed, skill, and composure under pressure were instrumental in the Bulldogs' historic victory.

More Than Just a Player

Beyond his on-field achievements, Johannisen was also a popular figure among Bulldogs fans. His infectious personality and willingness to engage with the community made him a beloved member of the club. He will be remembered not only as a premiership hero but also as a great clubman.

The Unpredictability of AFL Careers

The delistings of Jason Johannisen, Ben Hobbs and Alastair Lual highlight the unpredictable nature of AFL careers. Even players who have achieved great success or shown great promise can find themselves on the outer. This unpredictability is what makes the AFL so compelling.

The Constant Pressure to Perform

AFL players are under constant pressure to perform. They are judged on their every move, and their careers can be over in an instant if they fail to meet expectations. This pressure can be both a motivator and a burden, and it takes a special kind of person to thrive in such an environment.

The Importance of Resilience

Resilience is a key attribute for AFL players. They must be able to bounce back from setbacks, overcome adversity, and maintain a positive attitude even when things are not going their way. The ability to stay resilient is what separates the good players from the great ones.

Conclusion: The Cycle Continues

The delistings of Jason Johannisen, Ben Hobbs and Alastair Lual are a reminder that the AFL is a constantly evolving league. Clubs must make tough decisions to stay competitive, and players must adapt to survive. While delistings can be painful, they also create opportunities for new players to emerge and for clubs to build for the future. The cycle continues, and the AFL remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable sporting leagues in the world.