The fans were also impressed with the on-field leadership Johnson demonstrated this year and many have predicted that he will be a part of the official leadership group in years to come. The one main concern the Bomber fans had about Johnson’s game is his tendency to be undisciplined at times and give away unnecessary free kicks. This is an area that would like to see him improve in 2004. Johnson was given an overall rating of 7.7 for his performance this season.
2003 Games 24
2003 Goals 8
Kicks 257
Marks 107
Handballs 163
Fan's Rating: 7.7/10
Robert Shaw's comments:
Made a fantastic transition from a best and fairest back pocket to a mid-fielder. In the first year of that transition he did a remarkable job and if he continues to learn about the role of a mid-fielder and develop his fitness, he will definitely take his game to another level next year.
What some of the Essendon fans had to say about Mark Johnson:
I think Mark Johnson had a great season and showed great leadership to some of the younger players. his toughness around the ball really helped us on many occasions. he would have to be one of my favourite players and it was great to see him have a good year. Kate Tucker
Not quite as good as last year but still played solidly with some brilliant play thrown in. Mark does need to curb the undisciplined aspects of his game including some of his sideways passing. Allan McLeod
Made an excellent transition into the midfield this year but needs to improve his finishing skills. Simon Remington
Mark is a terrific model for our younger players, fearless, dedicated, attacking, constantly running, setting up thrusts into our forward line. Let himself down with a few undisciplined acts at on stage in the season, but got back on track quickly. He is a gun! Terry Gaw
Tried his heart out all year, like we have come to expect, injuries to other players perhaps required him to sacrifice his own game a little for the good of the team in some rounds, but that is what we've come to expect from such a fantastic club man! Michael Wyres
Firstly I’m so glad he re-signed with the Bombers. He has had a great year and is as tough as ever. He has come a long way and just keeps improving. Very valuable. Paula Lee
An excellent season from Mark Johnson. Moved into the midfield and provided some hardness that was needed. Exciting played to watch and has become a leader. Peter Pagounis
worked hard in the midfield and will only improve with more experience in the middle. Adam Verwey
Terrific year, with the added bonus of having successfully made the move from defender to midfielder who's more regularly able to step up and kick a goal. Now provides great flexibility to the side, as well as his ever-present hardness at the ball. Renee Wijnen
Hard, tough as nails and always in there having a crack. There is only one part of Johnno's game that needs a touch up. Discipline. Too often he gives away silly, clumsy free kicks and/or 50m penalties. These have cost us at times. I.e. his aggression is well controlled, he will be a brilliant player for the Bombers for years and years to come. Luke Tobin
As usual MJ never took a backward step and continued on his form from the previous year. Has added some serious hardness to our midfield. Kicking could improve a bit, but that is just nit picking. Another fine season. Neil Thompson
I think M.Johnson had a great season this year I much prefer having him as a midfielder than a back pocket because he brings a lot of physical presence to the midfield and really wears down his opponent, top year by a top player. Dion Gats
James Hird, Sean Wellman and Jobe Watson are the three players up in this week's Fans Report Card. Click here to have your say on their performance this season.
