In the absence of Luke McPharlin, Dawson and Silvagni held in-form Geelong power forwards Tom Hawkins and James Podsiadly goalless in Saturday’s Elimination Final victory.
Johnson said Dawson has been a vital component to a Freo backline that has conceded the second fewest points in the AFL this season.
“He knows all the game plan that Ross (Lyon) has given us this year,” Johnson said.
“We can work around Zac and know that he’ll play his role. All the other defenders have just got to chip in and do their part.
“He’s really strong in engaging with his opponent. If he can get a fist in there, we’ll have numbers at the fall of the ball.”
Dawson has averaged just nine disposals per game this season and, unfairly in Johnson’s eyes, copped a fair amount of criticism from the fans.
Johnson said Dawson’s game should be judged on his ability to stop his opponent, rather than how many possessions he gets.
“Zac’s been great. He’s taken it (criticism) on the chin and he’s just moved on and you can see in last weekend’s performance, he stood up for the team and played his role,” Johnson said.
“He doesn’t need to touch the ball.
“If he does his job on those key forwards, that’s a pass in my book.
“I think Zac’s done his work this year and, hopefully, he can carry it on this week.”
On Dawson’s plate this Friday looms key Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett, who Dawson held goalless in round 10, while Silvagni should get Taylor Walker.
Johnson said Silvagni was also impressive last weekend and had taken his opportunity with both hands after some hard work in the WAFL.
“Alex has been in good form for Claremont and he deserved his game on the weekend,” he said.
“He shut down Podsiadly and had time to fly over and chuck a fist in for the spoil in the contests.
“Hopefully, he can carry on that form.
“He knows he’s got to play a big role for the team this week and, like Zac, I’ll back him in to do the job.”
