An ‘overwhelmed’ Matthew Johnson did his best to stay calm when making his debut in front of more than 56,000 at Optus Stadium in the RAC Derby, and he had one of his good mates to help him along the way.
The 20-year-old has been close with leader Hayden Young ever since he was drafted ahead of the 2022 season and moved in with the defender.
Young was on hand to present Johnson his jumper pre-game, and Young was the player who came off for a rest on the bench as Johnson entered the game for the first time.
A special moment for Johnno ❤️#RACDerby #foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/m9s9Z0p22I
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) April 2, 2023
It meant Johnson was smiling as he was about to officially commence his AFL career as Young told him to ‘get after it and have fun’.
“I don’t live with him anymore but when I first got drafted to the Club, I moved in with him, Chappy (Heath Chapman) and Liam Henry,” Johnson said.
“It’s funny how the world works in that way, but giving him a high five as I ran out was pretty funny.
“It was an amazing atmosphere. When I ran out the crowd went insane. Just taking it all in was overwhelming but it was great to be a part of the win as well.”
Johnson returned the favour by getting around Young when he kicked a goal in the final term, with Johnson one of the first players to arrive and celebrate.
“He’s a great kick so when I saw him get that 50 metre penalty I put it in the books,” Johnson said.
Touted as a potential top-10 pick in his draft year, Johnson slid to the first pick of the second round where Freo pounced.
He played the majority of his debut on the wing, totalling six disposals at 100 per cent efficiency, eight pressure acts and setting up Andrew Brayshaw for his goal.
“I played on the wing for probably the majority of it and into the centre bounce for the last centre bounce,” Johnson said.
“I’ve been playing those roles at WAFL level at Peel and I’ve been learning them - whatever role they want me to play, I feel like I’m ready to play it.
“Hopefully I can get a chance again to go out there and perform, whenever the opportunity comes I’ll be ready again.”
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