Johnson happy to repay Freo faith
Michael Johnson says he is back to playing the best footy of his career and has thanked Fremantle for their confidence in getting him to 200 AFL games.
The 30-year-old, who is set to become just the ninth Docker to reach the coveted milestone, also threw his support behind veteran Adam Goodes, saying the dual Brownlow medallist had every right to perform a war dance during the league’s indigenous round.
MORABITO CAREER HANGING BY THREAD
Johnson will make his 200th appearance for Fremantle in Friday night’s clash against Richmond at Domain Stadium.
It is a landmark he may have never reached if not for turning around his career after a six-week club imposed suspension in 2010 for being caught by police in possession of cocaine.
Johnson last month re-signed until the end of the 2017 season with an option for an extra year and will be at least 33 when the contract ends.
He said it was great that Fremantle had so much confidence in him going forward.
The reliable defender had major back surgery at the end of last season, but has returned to play every game this year and is back in similar form to his 2013 All-Australian year.
“Over the last few years I think I’ve played my best footy and it’s great to see the club has a bit of confidence in me,” Johnson said.
“I am 30 and turning 31 later this year. To have the club have confidence in me and sign me up for another (few) years is good.
“Hopefully I can still contribute on the field and off the field for the club and keep developing as a player.”
Goodes animated celebration towards Carlton fans after kicking a goal during last Friday night’s win over the Blues at the SCG has sparked heated debate over the appropriateness of his actions.
But Johnson, who is widely considered a strong cultural role model, described it as a proud moment for not only Goodes but the wider indigenous community.
“It’s a dance that we all learned on the (indigenous) camp,” Johnson said.
“I reckon that if I was up kicking goals as well I would have broken out and done the same.
“Credit to him, he’s standing tall and proud to be indigenous and I just think it was a fantastic tribute ... I’ll back him.
“He’s a quality person and a leader in our community and the playing group. He’s free to do whatever he wants and it was the round to do it.”
