2002: Mark Johnson would be the first to admit his 2001 season wasn’t what it might have been – he struggled to reach the high standard he had set himself in the Bombers’ premiership season. The former Essendon rookie was determined to turn his form around in 2002 and not let his teammates down again as he felt he had in the 2001 Grand Final. That is exactly what Johnson did. In a season where senior players were riddled with long-term injuries, Johnson became one of the team’s on-field leaders. He was sensational in defence, holding the backline together and continually doing the job on opposition small forwards. Johnson was unlucky to miss out on All Australian selection, but his outstanding season was recognised when he won the Bomber’s best and fairest award.

Strengths: Johnson’s strength and determination are two of his major assets. He attacks the ball and is not afraid to put his body on the line in a contest. He rarely gives his opponent room to move and has the ability to run off his player and carry the ball out of defence. Johnson worked hard on improving his endurance last season and reaped the rewards of his hard work on the training track – while others tired he ran games out strongly.

Position: Johnson has played the majority of his football in the back pocket, with the odd run in the middle. His toughness at the ball and strength makes him an ideal back pocket player. He is rugged and never beaten – just the type of player Bomber coach Kevin Sheedy likes. However, Johnson’s speed and improved endurance could see him move into the mid-field in 2003. A position he played in his junior days and a role he is keen to take on again.

2003: Johnson has established himself as a permanent and important fixture in the Essendon line-up. His determination and never-say-die attitude inspires his teammates and he will continue to be an important part of the side’s on-field success. . Regardless of the position he plays, one thing for certain is Johnson’s attack on the football and on field presence means he will be dangerous to opposition teams. An exciting sight for Bomber fans in 2003 could be the two Johnson’s in the mid-field.

Kevin Sheedy says: Mark’s football career really is a marvelous story and an encouraging one for young players. It is history now that he was overlooked by EFC and other clubs in a number of Drafts. Clearly this was one of our mistakes. Mark Harvey, Adrian Dodoro and Merv Keane believed in him and kept his name in front of me and he eventually came to us via the 1998 Rookie Draft. For him to win the clubs best and fairest award in 2002 is a great tribute to him and his perseverance. Mark is probably ready to come up into the midfield which will be harder then he thinks. Most back pocket players think they can roll into the midfield with ease but this is not so, particularly when you have spent your career in the back pocket - I know, that’s where I spent most of my career.