At just 17 years old, Zak Johnson arrived at Essendon in November 2024 as the competition’s youngest player. 

Still very much a raw prospect last year (missing nearly all of his first pre-season following shoulder surgery), the pick No.70’s terrific early VFL form on return was well timed, especially given the spotlight he’d find himself ushered into. 

With a slew of senior Dons sidelined by round 12, Johnson became the Club’s seventh debutant of 2025 and earned himself a pretty handy apprenticeship across nine senior games in the process.

Johnson’s 29-disposal breakout against Geelong showcased a clean ball user with a great read for the game, traits that have every chance of holding him in good stead as a ‘draft steal’ from his class.

Entering his first uninterrupted pre-season with a taste of senior footy, Johnson and his young teammates are keen to fight for their spots again with the 2026 season around the corner.

“I obviously missed last pre-season with a shoulder injury, so it’s been good to be out there,” Johnson told essendonfc.com.au this week.

“It definitely makes a difference (having a season under my belt), especially getting an opportunity last year. I was so grateful for that, but to be out here and getting a full crack at it again is exciting. 

“There’s going to be a lot of competition for spots but that’s what you want at a great club like this.”

From his nine games, four came under the MCG lights and five against eventual top eight sides, giving Johnson a healthy variety of opponents and high-pressure environments in defence.

Having starred with Parade College largely as a midfielder with defensive capability, the teenager is enjoying his stint off half back with the Dons and is looking to make that role his own in year two. 

“I think I’ll continue to play that half back role, it suits me really well,” Johnson said.

“I’ll continue to work on the defensive side of my game and bring my weapons with my kicking and fast feet.

“(It was amazing) for me to play in front of great crowds home and away, there’s opportunity for all the boys.

“The young boys have been really promising and I think we’re in a really good spot heading into practice games.” 

A refreshed high performance program and the recent integration of match simulation into the Bombers’ training schedule has added to the excitement ahead of the upcoming practice games and a mammoth season opener with Hawthorn. 

Some of the biggest beneficiaries have been the youngsters, who’ve stood out to Johnson in the leadup to round one.

“All the stuff starts to get put together (now). You get out there and play games and that’s what everyone loves,” Johnson said. 

“It’s been really good to get into match sim and we can’t wait to get into the proper stuff. Jacob Farrow looks the goods, ‘Sharpy’ (Dyson Sharp) and all the boys, ‘Robes’ (Sullivan Robey) looks good even though he’s in rehab – I’ve done some stuff with him and he looks really exciting. 

“The leaders have been really good promoting the youth.

“It’s just more high intensity training loads. Hopefully if you’ve come to training, you’ve seen that be a big standout, the boys are feeling good and our gym stuff’s gone through the roof with Dave Regan coming in – he’s been amazing.”