Kid from Joburg stars in Oz final
A SOUTH African-born player yesterday won man of the match in one of the biggest events in Australian sport, the grand final of Aussie Rules football.
Jason Johannisen, 23, starred in the Western Bulldogs’ AFL victory over the Sydney Swans.
The 89-67 win by the Perth team, in front of 99 000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, was the Bulldogs’ first grand final in 62 years. It was their second championship in 91 years.
Johannisen, known as JJ, was playing his 64th game for the Dogs since his debut in 2012. He was the leading possession winner, recording 25 kicks and 33 passes and seven marks. His speed also proved too much for the Swans, who had been favourites to win.
The Melbourne Herald Sun said in its match report: “In a gripping contest the dash and dare of Johannisen powered his team to victory and put a Norm Smith Medal around his neck.”
Johannisen said: “I’m so numb right now. This is a dream come true. I’m so proud of the whole football club. It’s been a special ride and we’ve finished it off really well.”
Johannisen was eight years old when his parents moved from Johannesburg to Perth “to give me and my sister a better opportunity”. MADE IN SA: Jason Johannisen of the Bulldogs in the Australia Football League Grand Final yesterday
“Growing up in South Africa, all I knew was rugby, so that’s what I started playing in Perth as a junior,” said Johannisen.
“My cousin was playing footy [Australian Rules] at the time and they needed some extra numbers and that’s when I went across and played and fell in love with the game.” — Sports Staff