2 - Chris Johnson

[cjwalkley]

Johnno took another step in 2002 and quite rightly won himself All Australian selection. This probably makes up for 2001, when it was a line ball decision between he and Joel Smith. Has definitely become the premier small defender in the league, and isn't shy about running forward. pretty much won the game against the Kangaroos when he ran off Byron Pickett a number of times in the last quarter.

OUTLOOK - Johnno has always been a slow starter to the season, and picks up so much that he is one of our most valuable players by season's end. This goes pretty much in line with how Leigh coaches the team, you don't win flags in June! He must watch complacency, as he has all the required physical attributes to take his game up another notch. If he can go close to AA selection again, Lions fans will be well pleased.

[OldLion]

Chris has been THE success story for me. He's turned around his game to such an extent that he's now getting tagged out of the back pocket - Peverill for example. This also has meant that Aka has been released up field to huge effect. Chris' field kicking, combined with his flair and toughness, makes him our key playmaker coming out of defence .. and snags the odd speccy and goal just to keep his hand in. He's the risk element that all teams need to keep ahead of the game.

The fact that he didn't play v Pies at Colonial made a real mess of our backline, as well as looking disjointed going forward.

Opposition try and suck him in .. he is a little vulnerable there but we need his passion.

I also like the way he and DJ encourage other Aboriginal players in the opposition at game's end. I'm a big fan of solidarity.