Hunter says JJ’s become hunted

LACHIE Hunter says the Western Bulldogs let Jason Johannisen down last week against Sydney.

But if Melbourne thinks it can get away with the same tactic this week, it better think again. Johannisen was shut out of the game by the Swans, who took every opportunity to work him over physically.

The move worked, with the Norm Smith medallist collecting just nine possessions, his lowest tally in 56 games.

“Yeah, (we could have helped him more). He obviously copped a fair bit,” Hunter said.

“We did try and help him. It obviously wasn’t one of JJ’s better games. We will look to protect him and everyone else that happens to this week.”

Johannisen is out of contract this season and reportedly is seeking an $800,000-a- year deal. Premiership coach Paul Roos said the poor performance was proof his price was far too high. However, Hunter was confident his premiership teammate would bounce back.

“His (Johannisen’s) strength is his outside run. The physical side of the game is something he can work on,” Hunter said.

“He is obviously a really dangerous player.”