A Western Bulldogs premiership player is the latest signing for Deer Park for the Essendon District Football League premier division season.
The Lions announced on Friday that Jason Johannisen has signed with the club.
Johannisen played 212 games for the Western Bulldogs and won the Norm Smith Medal in the Bulldogs premiership in 2106.
“He reunites with his great mate and former Bulldog Lin Jong, who himself is on the comeback trail after tearing his Achilles tendon in 2025,” Deer Park said on social media.
“ JJ “ is going to be an exciting watch for the Deer Park faithful with his leg speed , evasive skills and elite kicking he is going to be a super asset come match day.
“He is employed full time as an assistant coach at the Hawthorn FC , however expects to be available for a minimum of six to eight games throughout the home and away season .
“We welcome Jason to the club and his addition along with the already elite talent recruited for 2026 plus the return of a number of injured stars from 2025, the club is well placed for another finals appearance in 2026.”
It’s been a big off season for the Lions.
Anthony Anastasio who played in two Victorian Football League premierships as he played 197 games in the VFL and VFL development competitions, has joined the club as a playing assistant coach.
Nick Ebinger will also call Deer Park home next season as one of three Victorian Football League players set to commit to the Lions full time for the Essendon District Football League premier division season.
Ebinger was aligned with Deer Park last season and has now retired from the VFL.
Jack Noonan played eight VFL games this year before being part of the Lions run in the back half of the season and Tom Mundy have also committed to the club full time.
