Is Jason Johnson "RIGHT NOW AT THIS POINT IN TIME ONLY" the best player in the AFL? [Archive]

Dan26

28th July 2001, 17:22

Pardon me from a bit of "so-called" Bomber bias, but I would hazard a guess to say the JJ is probably the best player in the country right "NOW". That is not to say he is the AFL's most talented player, but on his current form, he is the number one player in Australia I reckon (as backed up by Brownlow medal favouritism)

I'm not saying he is a better player than Hird, Carey, Voss, and all those players who have obviously had more celebrated careers. But as of this moment, Johnson is playing better than any of them, including his captain. Only Voss, I believe can lay claims to playing as well as Jason Johnson at the moment IMHO.

gPhonque

28th July 2001, 17:32

Wow. Something vaguely controversial from Dan that i actually do agree with. :)

I'd say he's the best running around at the moment without a doubt. Let's hope he keeps it up for 10 years. :D

Dan26

28th July 2001, 17:36

If he plays like he has been playign now for the next 10 years, he will be one of the top 10 players in VFL-AFL history. Let's hope he can keep it up!

BTW, I didn't think being controversial was ever a problem for me?

Darky

28th July 2001, 17:38

Originally posted by Dan25
BTW, I didn't think being controversial was ever a problem for me?

No, but making sense is! :p

topdon

28th July 2001, 18:06

Hard to disagree...but then again...i can't make an impartial judgement on this. So what...i'll make it anyway. Yeah...he'd have to be one of the best midfielders going around "at this point in time". I doubt the media focus will go to his head as he is a rather level headed and honest bloke. Just loves his footy and it looks like all his hard work is baying off.

Onya JJ. :D

Macca19

28th July 2001, 18:22

Well in some ways your right. I wouldnt go as far as saying he is the best player in the afl at the moment. Definatly the best small/middle sized player.
Johnson is on form the best small player in the league...Primus would be the best tall in the league on current form.

So i would say Johnson is the best of his sort at the moment

The Hitman

28th July 2001, 19:16

Naaaaaaaaaaaah

Has to be Digby Morrell!

In all seriousness, he is up there, but not THE best.

That honour at the moment goes to Micheal Voss, with Simon Black and Andrew McLeod close bhind.

JJ probably follows, and although most of you don't know, haven't seen it, or just don't care...Shane Crawford has played superbly the last 4 matches for us...back to somewhere near his '99 form:D

CJH

28th July 2001, 19:28

I would have to go with Michael Voss as well. Not only is he in hot form at the moment but would also have to be a good chance to take Charlie home again later on this year!

I am wary however on jumping on a midfielder's bandwagon just because they are prolific.

It is hard to compare players in different roles and their impact on the game but I would consider Primus (ruck), Lloyd (forward) and Gaspar and Hay (defense) to be also the best players currently going around in their own respective ways.

This is not to undermine Johnson. He is clearly an elite player in the competition and is certainly outstripping some of his more fancied Essendon team mates!

Smokin

28th July 2001, 19:29

It would be hard to argue any one player being 'the best' going around - but it would be hard to argue that JJ is not up there.

I posted a thread on him on the Essendon forum after last weeks game.

He is outright Brownlow favourite and rightly so I reckon.

The Old Dark Navy's

28th July 2001, 22:18

The temporary nature of the question makes it a little irrelevant IMHO. If Johnson has a shocker next time out, then he is then NOT the best player in the AFL at that particular moment.

You have players on streaks all the time and if they are not the most talented as you have suggested, then giving them an informal rating is not appropriate. Hottest player might be the term? Shane Woewodin won the Brownlow last year but until then wasn't considered the AFL's best player at that stage.

Maybe "Most In Form Player"????

For example, what if...I don't know ... say ... Glenn Manton!!! Mants doesn't have a huge past rating on the board either but what if he went out for the next month or so and averaged 25 possessions and 20 marks per game, keeping Barker, Lloyd and Jarman kickless? Technically, he would be the most in form player in the league based on those performances, but would he be the 'best' at that time??? I suggest not. I think to be the best, you should be the best overall not just in a given timeframe.

Just my opinion.....cheers

Dan26

28th July 2001, 22:29

You're taking that statement far too literally ODN's. The Manton example is over the top, and surely you knew that, when you were writing it.

The fact that Johnson is the Brownlow medal favourite (whether he actually wins it or not, is irrelevant because the best player doesn't always win the Brownlow. Case in point, Woewodin winning Kout's Brownlow last season) is indicative that he performed tremendously for the whole season so far. You don't get Brownlow medal favouritism on the back of one good game. His form this season is the equal of Voss, and ahead of Hird, so I would say, at this present time, he, along with Voss, is the best player in the country.

But if you ask me who I would rather have in my side, Hird or JJ, I'd take Hird, obviously.

28th July 2001, 22:32

What bout Byron??????? JJ isnt playing half as good as him!

JJ would be in the top 20 best players this season , and for anyone that thinks hes the best, are not just crazy, but should seek medical attention immmediately.

The Old Dark Navy's

28th July 2001, 22:37

Granted Dan but obviously it is a play on words and people will have to apply their own definition of best and the context in which it is used.

I could imagine the scenario in which a total novice to our great game could read a statement like that and believe this 'Jason Johnson' person is the best player in the AFL.'

The Manton scenario may be far fetched but it serves to highlight the possibilities. What if he did it all season long? His lack of ability to reach the upper echelons of the AFL over his career would make fans unlikely to give him the title of best player in the AFL at any point in time, yet the performances would mean he would be the most in form player.

Anyway, I have the flu. It is in the eye of the beholder so can't be argued. I am being respectful to the question and don't have the energy to argue the point.

Carry on. ;)

Dan26

28th July 2001, 22:38

Originally posted by QT
What bout Byron??????? JJ isnt playing half as good as him!

JJ would be in the top 20 best players this season , and for anyone that thinks hes the best, are not just crazy, but should seek medical attention immmediately.

You obviously havn't seen much of JJ this season. The fact that he is the Brownlow favourite shows that he has performed better than every other player in the opinion of those who are behind the betting. I'm not exaggerating when i say tha JJ, has performed better than the other 650 players on AFL lists this season so far. He has been amazing. Only Voss could claim to be his equal in performance so far this season. JJ has certainly been a better player this season than Hird and Lloyd, both of who have been wonderful for us again.

You'd better get that medical attention to me quick, because I think this season JJ has been the best player in the country (in much the same way Kouta was last year - though JJ hasn't been as dominant as Kout was last season- yet no one would say Kouta is the best actual player in the AFL)

Dan26

28th July 2001, 22:39

ODN's,

Point taken

28th July 2001, 22:44

Originally posted by Dan25

You'd better get that medical attention to me quick

The drugs are coming your way Mr Dan :D ;)

Mags

28th July 2001, 23:07

The Old Dark Navy's

28th July 2001, 23:27

tick...tick...tick

the game

28th July 2001, 23:29

Originally posted by Mags

O'bree would have more votes then JJ at the moment!

Mags

You reckon?:rolleyes:

topdon

28th July 2001, 23:39

Originally posted by the game

You reckon?:rolleyes:

Tell him he's dreamin' !!!! :rolleyes:

Mags

28th July 2001, 23:44

O'bree has had a very good start too the season but has dropped off abit of late.

Thats why I beleive Obie would have more votes at the moment!

Mags

red+black

29th July 2001, 00:18

just to reiterate. JJ IS currently the Brownlow medal favourite, so obviously he IS the best player (of ANY size in ANY position) going around at the moment. we all know who the best players in the league are, but JJ has had a good month. if he manages another 3 BOG's (asking a lot) then he MAY come close.

that said, I don't think he will win. so my opinion of who IS the BEST player currently, disregarding the current bookies favourite is Michael Voss. What a legend that guy is. I went to tonights game and he is a superstar. A player to truly admire.

K'Bane

29th July 2001, 01:17

No, Shannon Grant is.

Grendel

29th July 2001, 02:07

On current form right now, he (JJ) is close. But from what ive seen and the way they have been playing, Cousins is the best going around at the minute.

Why Cousins? Because in a team that is totally flat and out of form, he has been shinning through like a beacon, taking on and beating damn near everyone hes come across. He has taken to the captaincy like a duck to water. Really stepped up to another level, shame about the rest of his side though.

The Hitman

29th July 2001, 02:40

Originally posted by Dan25

You obviously havn't seen much of JJ this season. The fact that he is the Brownlow favourite shows that he has performed better than every other player in the opinion of those who are behind the betting. I'm not exaggerating when i say tha JJ, has performed better than the other 650 players on AFL lists this season so far.

In his area. And that is your opinion.

He is Brownlow favorite...so what? So was Kouta.

But the main point is that he is the bookies favorite is because he is being highlighted in the media, he is in the midfield, and he is standing out in Essendon.

I would say that the bookies don't rate the best player of the season, they rate who they think the umps will vote for.

For example, even if Jon Hay was easily the best player agoing around so far this season, he wouldn't be favorite to take home Chas, because he is a defender. Ditto for a key forward.

Midfielders and ruckman win Brownlow's, and so he may be the be midfielder, but I still think Voss has been better. Black too.

Overall, I think McLeod is the best this season, and he will tie with Voss for the Brownlow.

The Hitman

walshy1993

29th July 2001, 04:42

Originally posted by Grendel
On current form right now, he (JJ) is close. But from what ive seen and the way they have been playing, Cousins is the best going around at the minute.

Why Cousins? Because in a team that is totally flat and out of form, he has been shinning through like a beacon, taking on and beating damn near everyone hes come across. He has taken to the captaincy like a duck to water. Really stepped up to another level, shame about the rest of his side though.

wouldnt it be easier to shine in a team that is a few points away from the bottom of the ladder than to shine in a side that has only lost two games for the season?????

Smokin

29th July 2001, 09:37

People here easily dismissing JJ obvioulsy havnt been watching footy this year, or are $hitstirin!

The guy does so much hard, bullocking work it's not funny, on top of that he gets himself on the end of many passes and has destroyed teams thru the midfield.

He was our main reason we got back in the game against North - and dont worry, opposition players will think twice about how hard they go at the ball when jj jumps in the middle - because they know he will be coming twice as hard from the other direction! He sorta has a pickett like presense, however plays the ball much more than byron.

He is Essendon's best player this year by far - standing out in a team with many fantastic players. He would have to be in the top 2 or 3 - Voss is the only player who comes to mind who you could argue I think.

At the moment he would be first player picked at Essendon - first player picked at a team many think has been the best of all time. Give the bloke credit, he is an absolute gun!

The Hitman

29th July 2001, 10:05

Settle Smokin...

It's only peoples opinions, and I know how good he is. I just think there are a few better then him going around at the moment, and so do a few others.

On behalf of the 15 other clubs supporters, I sincerly apologize for disagreeing with the mighty Essendon empire...:p

SydneyBomber

29th July 2001, 10:21

Originally posted by K'Bane
No, Shannon Grant is.

No, Shannon Grant is, SOFT!!!
:eek: :p

K'Bane

29th July 2001, 14:56

No, Shannon Grant is, SOFT!!!

So's James Hird, but it doesn't stop him being effective.

OldLion

29th July 2001, 15:03

This debate was conclusively settled last night - Michael Voss is the hardest over-the-ball player right now ( apart from all the other skills). Have you ever seen a better left hand handpass ? I just hope he stays fit - he has an awful finals record.

FitzroyLeeRoth

29th July 2001, 15:12

are you on drugs or what?!!!

michael voss wins! hands down! what a player!

Roylion

29th July 2001, 17:35

Of course I will be accused of bias, but Simon Black must be coming close to the being the best player in the AFL at the moment. To my mind he was the best on the ground last night against North and has been in superlative form for the last ten weeks at least and along with Voss the main reason for the very good form of the Brisbane Lions.

Jason Johnson has been an excellent player this year as well.

tapestry

29th July 2001, 17:48

Agreed guys.
Michael Voss will win Charlie this year. BOG most games this year.

Grendel

29th July 2001, 20:03

Originally posted by walshy1993

wouldnt it be easier to shine in a team that is a few points away from the bottom of the ladder than to shine in a side that has only lost two games for the season?????

No, i wouldnt think so. He (Cousins) has got virtually nil support, is copping all the attention the opposistion can muster against him, plus they can rotate players against him as well. My view (and thats all it is afterall) is that to be as consistently good as he has been in a very lacklustre side is an outstanding achievement.

Id ask rather, how good would he be if he had the support that say a Johnson/Voss has got at their respective clubs.

Voice of Reason

29th July 2001, 21:49

A four way tie between Cousins, Voss, Johnson J and McLeod.

Everyone happy?

WCE2000

29th July 2001, 23:11

not quite, but close.

from what ive been seeing in patches benny cousins has been one of the top performers over the lsat month or twoo

TigerTank

30th July 2001, 10:35

Voss is better.

Voss has Johnson's toughness with Hird's disposal and smarts.

Dan25, can you tell me with all honesty that Jason Johnson is better than Voss? Even at the moment?

Dan26

30th July 2001, 18:19

TigerTank queried.....
Dan25, can you tell me with all honesty that Jason Johnson is better than Voss? Even at the moment?

No, I can't.

Not if I was being honest. But on form over the whole season JJ has had just as good a year. But, if you were to ask me who I'd prefer in my side I'd pick Voss.

DarkRider

30th July 2001, 22:02

Short answer to the original long question - NO

jod23

31st July 2001, 03:38

Grendel, your a smart man.

The only reason Cousins wont win the Brownlow this season is because the WCE's have only won 3 games!!

Imagine Cousins surrounded with the class of the Essendon players, Johnson looks even better because of the overall class around him. Thats what makes Cousins year so good, when the opposition play us all they think about is Cousins, because to be truthful he is the only player at WC who will hurt you. Johnson is maybe the third or fourth person the opposition think about, who will play on Hird? How many goals will Lloyd kick, should we tag Misiti, Mercuri, what will Rioli do?? But when its WC, its Cousins, Cousins, Cousins.

If we won just a few more games this year, id put a hefty bet on Cuz.

Falchoon

8th June 2006, 02:52

Is Jason Johnson "RIGHT NOW AT THIS POINT IN TIME ONLY" the worst player in the AFL?

footyfreak

8th June 2006, 03:01

Is Jason Johnson "RIGHT NOW AT THIS POINT IN TIME ONLY" the worst player in the AFL?

nope

The Magenius

8th June 2006, 03:13

talk about a bump with cobwebs on it.

Schneiderman

8th June 2006, 03:44

Is Jason Johnson "RIGHT NOW AT THIS POINT IN TIME ONLY" the worst player in the AFL?

No, but he would have to come close to having performed the greatest drop in performance (not related purely to age or injury) over the last four years. Their really is no explanation for the disappeaaring act in form we have witnessed.

angus6

8th June 2006, 07:30

Is Jason Johnson "RIGHT NOW AT THIS POINT IN TIME ONLY" the worst player in the AFL?

no Justin Peckett

Karlostj

8th June 2006, 07:59

No, but he would have to come close to having performed the greatest drop in performance (not related purely to age or injury) over the last four years. Their really is no explanation for the disappeaaring act in form we have witnessed.

Other then age and injury.... He missed the entire preseason with a foot injury and has never quite recovered.... Plus he is 28....

Andrew Mc

8th June 2006, 08:09

Other then age and injury.... He missed the entire preseason with a foot injury and has never quite recovered.... Plus he is 28....

28? Is that meant to be old?

Pluggeroo

8th June 2006, 08:23

I started reading this post and thought to myself..... "Have these people been watching the same Essendon games that I have?"

Bloody Hell

Then I looked at the date of the first post......lmfao

Karlostj

8th June 2006, 09:50

28? Is that meant to be old?

Well its not young... How many players make it past 28?

My main point however was that he has had injury this season, and that is the main reason behind his disappointing form.

Giveyathemail

8th June 2006, 12:33

Until I looked at the date on the first post, I was convinced that this guy must be hooked on crack...

And the answer to it was NO anyway.... Jason Ackermanis was, as he won the Brownlow :D

Mattlowry

8th June 2006, 12:37

Um he is injured. He has a foot injury still and u can see how it is affecting him...

MACDAICOS

8th June 2006, 12:44

Falchoon

8th June 2006, 13:36

no Justin Peckett

hey, be nice, my post was clearly tongue in cheek.

Jason Johnson is miles ahead of Dean Solomon

Nightwolf

8th June 2006, 14:14

I would have to go with Michael Voss as well. Not only is he in hot form at the moment but would also have to be a good chance to take Charlie home again later on this year!

I am wary however on jumping on a midfielder's bandwagon just because they are prolific.

It is hard to compare players in different roles and their impact on the game but I would consider Primus (ruck), Lloyd (forward) and Gaspar and Hay (defense) to be also the best players currently going around in their own respective ways.
This is not to undermine Johnson. He is clearly an elite player in the competition and is certainly outstripping some of his more fancied Essendon team mates!

I laughed at this bit..

Flawed Genius

21st August 2008, 16:15

There was actually a thread on this at one point ever?! :eek:

How do you reckon he's going now.. the Johnson brothers as a family, anyway? :D

super_phaser

21st August 2008, 16:19

if He Plays Like He Has Been Playign Now For The Next 10 Years, He Will Be One Of The Top 10 Players In Vfl-afl History. Let's Hope He Can Keep It Up!

?

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JColeman

21st August 2008, 16:25

People can be harsh

Seven years later and people laugh like idiots

He was a gun in his prime.

sherrthecat

21st August 2008, 17:07

People can be harsh

Seven years later and people laugh like idiots

He was a gun in his prime.
Indeed he was:

http://bp2.blogger.com/_mh8mPBa3EbY/R95PetakO3I/AAAAAAAAAAc/GXChukOHOiU/s320/broken+gun.jpg