Jason rides the bumps

WESTERN Bulldogs speedster Jason Johannisen has endured a “bumpy ride” this season but has backed himself to withstand the physical pressure that has come in spades so far this year.

The Norm Smith medallist has borne plenty of physicality from opposition players in recent weeks, with coach Luke Beveridge recently labelling the treatment “concerning” and called a hit laid on the speedster by Eagle Mark Hutchings “cowardly”.

But the 24-year-old said he now approaches games prepared for the focus he draws.

“It’s obviously been a new challenge for me and it’s been a bit different,” Johannisen said. “It’s been a bumpy ride. “But I’m able to prepare for it and just have to back my strengths and keep working on my game to try to overcome it.”