Michael Johnson says it would be “great to stick around” for another season at Fremantle, but is happy to set any contract talks aside as he focuses on the second half of the 2017 season.
Known as the general of Fremantle’s defence, Johnson will be out of contract at the end of this season.
The 32-year-old said his main focus was performing on the field while helping develop Freo’s up and coming defenders – even if that leaves the veteran without a role next year.
Fremantle drafted three defenders in the 2016 National Draft in Griffin Logue, Brennan Cox and Luke Ryan alongside the recruitment of Joel Hamling in the trade period.
“Whatever happens at the end of the year happens, I know I’m getting older – I’m 33 at the end of the year,” Johnson said.
“There’s some really good quality young defenders coming through the ranks at Fremantle, so if it is my time I’m happy to move on.
“All I’m worried about is coming and playing consistent footy for Fremantle and helping all the young guys represent their club.”
Johnson has played every game for Fremantle so far in 2017 after missing all but four in 2016 with knee and hamstring injuries.
The 221 game player said that his fitness was just one of a number of factors that would come into play when deciding on his future.
“After missing last year and not playing a lot of footy, it was all about playing some football for Fremantle this year,” Johnson said.
“If it happens next year it happens, hopefully.
“It would be great to stick around but I leave all of that sort of talk to my manager. I’m here to play footy and represent Fremantle.”
