View Full Version : Melville/East Fremantle
Demonheart
10 Oct 2002, 09:58
Does anyone know much about these teams? Apparently there is a young kid playing for them called Chris Johnson, the son of Alan Johnson who played for Melbourne, I've heard he's a pretty handy player, anyone know him? If so, what is he like?
Bananabender
10 Oct 2002, 20:51
Chris Johnson is a talented tall player (CHB or CHF) who was invited to the AIS/AFL Academy for Under 16's. He's a year or two away from being eligible for the draft and would qualify for Melbourne under the father/son rule (although that doesn't necessarily mean he will go there).
I would add while Chris is in the East Freo zone, he is able to play under the father & son rule for the Perth Football Club, can remember exactly how many games Alan played for us but Chris definately qualifies.
My mail tells me Perth will be making a huge effort to lure Chris to Lathlain Park... with their coaching position still up for grabs (probably Lester-Smith) and the fact Perth have signed Stan Magro for at least next 2 years, then Chris may find his development may be of a higher quality with Perth. Added to this Steven Armstrong was drafted from Perth to Melbourne, all parties may see this as the way to go.
Perth will be having a fair crack, believe me.....
For your info... Here's an extract from the Demonland website...
FATHERS AND SONS
by Whispering Jack
Some famous Melbourne names were revived this week with news from different parts of the country. Young West Australian Chris Johnson, son of former Demon star of the eighties Alan Johnson, has been inducted into the AIS/AFL Academy for elite Under 16's. Chris is a taller version of his father standing at 192 cm and does not turn 17 until next year. It is likely that we will see him representing Australia if the Irish schoolboys international rules team tours again early next year. If he kicks on after that, we will probably see him in the Under 18 Championships and, if he's good enough and wants to play with the Demons, he could be picked up under the father/son rule at the 2003 National Draft.
Alan Johnson played in two premiership teams with Perth in the WAFL before being recruited to Melbourne as a wingman in 1982. He was slightly built at 179 cm but had loads of pace and relished the open spaces at Waverley where he really used to turn on his best performances. Later in his career, he was switched to defence where he played a memorable game in the 1988 elimination final as a running back pocket player. He won two best and fairests for Melbourne - in 1983 and 1989 wearing the famous number nine guernsey that was once worn by another Demon champion winger in Brian Dixon and is now worn by 200 game captain David Neitz.
In the meantime, Demon fans will watch his development and hope that the father/son rule finally brings some rewards to the Melbourne Football Club. Let's hope that the youngster can mature and develop into a top shelf footballer and that he has a level head about him and, when the time comes, decides to travel east to represent his father's old club.
Demonheart
11 Oct 2002, 10:48
Well, it sounds like the kid has some potential, and if you look at Melb's key position players they'll move heaven and/or earth to sign him. Alan Johnson was a very well liked and respected footballer at the club, hopefully the ties are still strong.
Hassa and bananabender, thanks for the info, if you could keep us updated with where he plays next year, will be great. I'd like to follow his progress.
Stephen Armstrong looks like he will be a great player, he already plays with alot of maturity and toughness far beyond his years. What do you guys put in the water over there?