Mark Johnson has a premiership medal and a Crichton medal hanging proudly around his neck. Most players can only dream of achieving both these accomplishments, but that is not enough for Johnson – he wants more. The 24-year-old is about to embark on his sixth season of senior football and is confident that the Bombers are going to be highly competitive this year. “I think we are going to have a great season, we have some fantastic young players on the list. Everyone has trained well over the pre-season and looking forward to taking on Brisbane in Round 1,” Johnson said on Bomber Radio last night.

Q. You would be the first to admit that you don’t play football for the personal awards, but it still must have been a huge honor to win the club best and fairest award last season?
A. It was sensational to win the best and fairest last season. I had a fantastic night with my family and friends. I think I was lucky to win it with the number of players we had missing through the year with injury.

Q. Aren't you being fairly modest....you had a fantastic season in the back pocket for the Bombers2
A. I actually thought I had a better year in 2000. I think I was more consistent over the entire season.

Q. There has been a lot of talk about you moving into the mid-field. In the practice matches you have had a bit of a run in the centre, how have you found it?
A. It is tough in the middle and you don't realise how physical and fast it is until you are in the thick of it. I have enjoyed playing there but I suppose it is up to the coaches where I play this season.

Q. You must have a new found respect for Joe Misiti and Jason Johnson?
A. I certainly do. Their work rate is second to none. Joe just has the ability to find the ball and Jason is so hard at it and gives 110%.

Q. You look to have put on a couple of kilograms over the pre-season season, is strength an area you have been focusing on?
A. I have put on about three kilograms and have been working on improving my upper body strength. If I move into the mid-field this season I will need that extra strength in the upper body to match it in one on one contests.

Q. Dean Rioli has shed about seven kilograms and has been in sensational form over the last couple of weeks in the mid-field. You are good mates with him, so it must be pleasing to see him fit and firing?
A. Dean is a great bloke and he has been working so hard over the preseason. He has been dynamic for us in the practice matches and who knows what he is capable of this year. He is the fittest I have ever seen him and is really focused on having a good season. If he plays all season I would expect him to rate highly in the Brownlow Medal.