An AFL football career can pass a player by in the blink of an eye. One player that is determined to make the most of his career at the top level is Jason Johnson. Heading into his eighth season at the club, the soon to be 26-year-old wants to make an impact in 2004. Johnson is burning up the track and has been one of the stars in the build up to season 2004.

""I suppose in the last couple of years I have become a little complacent rather than pushing myself that bit harder. This pre-season I have been trying to catch the guys running in front of me, rather than just running at a comfortable rate. I just want to get better and get the most out of myself.

""I am in the last half of my career and I want to make the most of it. Opportunities don't come by too often, so you have to capitalise. I think we have got the side that can win a premiership,"" the 2001 best and fairest winner said.

And get the most out of himself he is. In the team's 3.2km time trial on Monday Johnson smashed 37 seconds off his personal best time and finished second behind Mark Bolton. ""I ran 11.30 seconds in the first time trial, so I wanted to improve by at least 30 seconds, having done no training over the eight week break. I have had a great pre-season so far, with no interruptions so I was hoping to run around 11 minutes. I was still a little bit surprised at my time. The run gives me a lot of confidence to know that I can keep up with the fastest guys at the club and even beat some of them.""

Johnson finished third in the club's best and fairest in 2003, but was not overly happy with his season. He would like to have more of an impact in games and felt he could further improve his fitness levels. ""I said to Quinny halfway through last year that I would like to be up there with the likes of Hird and Bolton in terms of my running capacity and I don't think I can do it unless I drop a few kilograms. So to lose a few kilograms has been an aim this pre-season,"" Johnson said.

With new players such as Marc Bullen, Mark Johnson and Dean Rioli being introduced into the midfield last season and the likes of Jason Winderlich and Justin Murphy pushing for selection this year, Johnson knows he needs to be at peak fitness to hold his position. ""There is always pressure to hold your spot with new players coming into the club. Sheeds is always on my back about getting a little bit fitter. Given the opportunity to stay on the ground, that is what I want to do.""

Johnson is optimistic of a big year ahead for the Essendon team. He said everyone has been training well and there is a good feeling around the club. ""A lot of the younger guys - Adam McPhee, Andrew Welsh and Damian Cupido - are a year older and have a good season under their belts. Hopefully they can improve again and the three new guys - Allan, Murphy and Alvey - can all have an impact. We should have a good side this year if we can keep everyone on the ground,"" Johnson said.

Make sure you are part of the Essendon team in 2004 by purchasing or renewing your membership. Click here for more information.