Matthew Johnson has received deserved recognition for his impressive debut season with the AFL Rising Star nomination for round 23.
 
The nomination comes after another strong performance for the midfielder, where he tallied 19 disposals, seven marks and 301 metres gained on the wing.
 
It ranked as the 20-year-old’s eighth best game of the season according to Champion Data.
 
From Johnson’s 17 games, he has been either substituted on or off in seven of them. He averages 14 disposals from all appearances this season and 19 disposals from his 10 full games.
 
After being drafted at no.21 in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, Johnson had an impressive pre-season that was unfortunately curtailed by a foot injury in January of 2022.
 
He went on to play 14 games for Peel that year and made his AFL debut in the 2023 round three RAC Derby.
 
Johnson paid tribute to his midfield teammates for pushing him to improve and cement his place in Fremantle’s best 22.
 
“I'm rapt to get the nomination this week. It is recognition for some good form recently, so I'm pleased,” Johnson said.
 
“I've been able to play alongside some really good players that push me every day at training.
 
“It's a tough side to break into and once I got my opportunity, I was keen to try and make the most of it and hold my spot in the team.
 
“Being able to play alongside the boys this year has been super enjoyable.”

As well as the challenge of breaking into the team as a 20-year-old, Johnson has had to do so while having an impact in the more unfamiliar wing role.
 
In the round 22 RAC Derby, Johnson was prolific on the wing with 21 disposals, nine marks, seven inside 50s and led all Fremantle players with 564 metres gained.
 
In comparison, Johnson was thrown into the deep end as an inside midfielder in round 13 against Richmond and thrived with 25 disposals, 12 contested possessions, seven clearances and six tackles.
 
“I've had to learn the wing a lot this year, I probably haven't played it that much in the past. That aspect has been a bit challenging, but I think I'm starting to get on top of that now,” Johnson said.
 
“It's different because sometimes you spend a bit of time away from the ball whereas as (an inside) midfielder, it's more physically demanding but you're involved a bit more with the contest.
 
“They're two different roles, but I enjoy playing them both.”

Against the Tigers, Johnson had to pinch himself going head-to-head against Dustin Martin in the midfield.
 
“He's one player that I idolised growing up,” Johnson said.
 
“He's a super talented player and really impactful.
 
“There was one instance on the wing where he tried to fend me off and I made sure I didn't let that happen. That was always in the back of my mind.
 
“It's pretty cool to play alongside big names like him.”

With one game left in the season, Johnson spoke about his motivation to finish the year strongly against Hawthorn on Saturday at the MCG.
 
“This will be my third game at the MCG and both times I've played there, I've loved it,” Johnson said.
 
“Hawthorn are in some pretty good form themselves and have put together a few good weeks.
 
“It'll be a really exciting game, even though there's not a lot on the line in terms of finals I think it'll be a good spectacle.”

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