Fremantle assistant coach Joel Corey said that midfielder Matthew Johnson would have more impact on the game in 2024 based on his current pre-season performance. 

Johnson has not missed a session this pre-season and keeps competing for a midfield position as he regularly faces Fyfe, Serong and Brayshaw during the Club’s recent match simulations. 

Corey told SportFM on Wednesday morning that he was impressed by the third-year player’s work rate and desire to improve in his second full pre-season. 

“We are really excited about what (Johnson) can do,” Corey said. 

“We love that he comes in and works on his game all the time. 

“Some of his training sessions lately, he’s not only being there and playing a role, but he’s also starting to influence what we’re doing around the contest and the overall game.” 

The tall midfielder, who is 193cm, made his debut in the RAC Derby in round 3 last season.  

He stayed in the senior side consistently for the rest of the season, except for a two-week suspension in rounds 8 and 9 for a dangerous tackle. 

Johnson, who played both wing and inside midfield roles in his first year, has mainly focused on developing his inside midfield craft this pre-season. 

The midfielder is aiming to build on his promising performance from the back-half of last season, which resulted in a Rising Star nomination in round 23 after averaging 20 disposals in his last three games. 

Corey also praised the whole playing group’s intensity and development since the return to training earlier in January. 

The midfield coach also mentioned some of the specific progress from developing ruckman Max Knobel and wingman Nathan O’Driscoll. 

“Max Knobel has had a fantastic pre-season, obviously we’ve got a couple of good rucks already, but as a young ruck he’s continually developing,” Corey said. 

“His contest is getting better, and his ability to cover the ground is really exciting. 

“Drizzy (O’Driscoll) has fantastic attributes. He can run all day and he’s continually pushing to influence all phases of the game. 

“He shows up and continues to work on what he needs to do, and he’s starting to see the benefits of his hard work this early part of January.”