The Western Bulldogs could take a bolstered back-half into their upcoming AFL finals series, pending the performance of running defender Jason Johannisen in Footscray's Qualifying Final against Brisbane this weekend.
The 2016 Norm Smith Medallist faced hamstring and calf concerns during the first half of the 2024 home & away season and is yet to feature since the Bulldogs' 91-point defeat over Richmond in Round 9.
Initially thought to make a return after the club's Round 15 bye, the injury concerns lingered into the final weeks of the season, to where he is still a test on his calf.
As tweeted by AFL reporter Josh Gabelich, however, the dashing defender is pushing to make memorable return to the senior side as the Bulldogs push for a potential premiership.
Jason Johannisen is set to play in Footscray’s qualifying final against Brisbane on Saturday. Making a late push for AFL selection in September. Hasn’t played since Rd 9 due to hamstring/calf strains @AFLcomau
— Josh Gabelich (@JoshGabelich) August 29, 2024
In less favourable news, star forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan missed the Western Bulldogs' training session on Thursday, citing minor illness.
Still over a week away from their blockbuster Friday night elimination final against Hawthorn, the former number one pick's absence is not a cause for concern, the club revealing they expect him to train in Sunday's main session.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan absent from Western Bulldogs training today after not feeling 100 per cent.
Club expects him to be back at main training on Saturday @7NewsMelbourne— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) August 29, 2024
Ugle-Hagan had missed time earlier this year for personal reasons, but will now face pressure to return to 100% for one of the biggest games of his young career, the most anticipated final of the weekend at the home of football.
