The Fremantle defender was very close to best on ground against the Crows, with only the mercurial Nat Fyfe and his four goals from midfield a contender for the honours.
Johnson’s worth to Fremantle was highlighted in a brilliant passage of play with seven minutes left in the third quarter.
Adelaide had just kicked to within a goal of the lead and had all the momentum. As they flooded forward, a kick inside 50 saw Johnson one-out with power forward Shaun McKernan.
The Freo defender won the race for the ball, bodied his opponent out of the way, picked up the footy and calmly hit Ryan Crowley on the chest at centre-half-back.
Fremantle moved the ball forward, where Fyfe marked and goaled to give the side some breathing space.
Passages such as this one have not been isolated incidents in the past two seasons. Johnson regularly performs his role for the team, whether that be shutting down an opponent or drifting across half-back as the plus-one to impact marking contests.
He has now played all 17 games this season and has to be considered a major chance to take home this year’s Doig Medal as the club’s best player.
Johnson could also be included in All Australian calculations.
The defender has had 20 or more disposals in all but two games since round 8. He had 19 disposals in round 10 against Adelaide, and 18 in round 14 against Geelong, a game he missed considerable match-time in because of a knock to his knee.
If Johnson can continue his stellar form, a Fremantle best and fairest, and even All Australian selection, would be just reward for his uncompromising attitude, consistency and commitment to his team.
