Star Western Bulldogs defender Jason Johannisen wants to stay put in the AFL, despite his contract talks going on hold.
The Norm Smith Medallist is the latest big name to shelve contract negotiations until the end of the year, inevitably ramping up speculation about his future.
His manager Tim Galic has told the AFL website that the two parties remain a long way apart on a new deal.
But Johannisen said his preference is that he stays at the club.
"My management and the club are talking - I want to be at the Bulldogs," he said.
"They've given an opportunity to myself that I never thought could happen and I just want to repay the faith."
Johannisen has become one of the league's top running defenders.
He returned from two months off from a torn hamstring last season to be voted best afield in the Bulldogs' historic grand final win over Sydney.
Johannisen has started this season where he left off last year, with a best-afield performance in the round-one win over Collingwood.
The South African-born defender was a bargain basement recruit, joining the Bulldogs with the No.39 selection in the 2011 rookie draft.
The 24-year-old has played 65 games since his 2012 debut.
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