Toast Welcome to Fremantle Matthew Johnson (pick 21 2021 AFL Draft)
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- Apr 25, 2011
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Yep, Matthew has a man-bun and handlebar moustache now.
Peel Thunder coach Geoff Valentine on highly-rated draftee Matt Johnson after his best game at WAFL level
Jordan McArdleThe West Australian
Peel Thunder coach Geoff Valentine says Fremantle have drafted a “wonderful” player in Matt Johnson after his breakout WAFL performance against East Perth on Saturday.
The smooth-moving Subiaco product was one of the best players on ground in the 53-point win, using the ball with class and composure in the wet as he continues to build towards an AFL debut.
The 19-year-old kickstarted the Thunder’s game with a stunning long-range goal from inside the centre square in the opening two minutes and finished with a season-high 25 disposals, six tackles and six inside 50s.
Valentine felt Johnson, who’s been gradually building after a long-term foot injury derailed his first pre-season at Cockburn, had all the attributes to make it at the top level.
“He does some elite things. He’s going to be wonderful player, I’ve got absolutely no doubt about that,” Valentine said.
“He’s got that ability to move through traffic but keep going forward and use the football.
“He’s highly skilled, a wonderful athlete and a really nice young fella as well.
Matt Johnson at Freo training. Credit: Tom Fee/Fremantle FC
“He’s just got to keep building and putting runs on the board but he’s certainly tracking in the right way.
“Freo have got a good one there, there’s no doubt and it.”
Valentine said Johnson’s time would come from an AFL berth is he keeps doing what he’s doing.
The 191cm midfielder was one of the shocks of the national draft last year when he slid to the second round despite interest inside the top 10.
Fremantle were quick to pounce on day two of the draft with their prized first pick of the second round, joining former Subiaco teammate Neil Erasmus (pick 10) and East Perth sharpshooter Jye Amiss (pick eight) who were snapped up on the opening day.
He’s already signed a two-year contract extension, tying him to the club until at least the end of 2025.
“He’s just got to keep going what he’s doing,” Valentine said.
“He missed three months at the start of the year with that foot injury which robbed him of a full pre-season.
“It’s probably taken him three or four games to build that up.”
The Thunder jumped into the top-five heading into the bye after their win over the Royals with tough assignments against South Fremantle and Claremont to come.
Purpleheart_56
Team Captain
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I thought He was brilliant last weekend...
Looks like it’s just a fitness thing…the class is there. Mundy for Johnno next year makes me happy in the pants
- Jun 30, 2011
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Got a look at most of the game on the stream on the weekend. Both him and Ras are good snags. Dynasty level midfield we've got building here here.
- Jun 30, 2011
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WC must be fuming. They have to start from scratch and we got handed two local AFL starting inside mids right at the start of our contention period.
Chesser could still be good I suppose.
- Jun 30, 2011
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I'd have seriously considered Chesser. A outside mid of genuine class is one of our only two real gaps (I know everyone is slashing their wrists this week but we still have a seriously talented list: Just 1 more outside player and a class forward that demands an opponent and wins more than their share of 50/50 ball*: doesn't matter whether small / medium / tall).
*Admittedly they don't grow on trees.
wakojako
Norm Smith Medallist
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Well if Logue goes to WC I'm sure we can work something out
- Apr 26, 2011
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Sign me up ..
Chesser would be a good fit for us if he translates to the midfield. As an all round mid Johnson looks great, versatile and skilled, plus I like his size.
I am reasonably comfortable with our wings anyway. Aish is mid career, Henry and O'Driscoll have been blooded. Worner in waiting. Acres the incumbent. A big bodied, balanced mid is ideal for us.
Johnson is getting better each game culminating in his best game last game, Been suprised and excited with the depth of his kicking. Worner could be a hidden gem so clean in the air and and reads the ball well. These two both missing out on a pre season will be exciting in 2023
- Oct 17, 2010
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Looking forward to this debut - shame we have such a small injury list (just kidding).
Fantastic that we have been able to develop Johnson and Erasmus this year. Mundy spot is available next year and these two will be going for it.
- Apr 25, 2011
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Congratulations Johno. Good luck and show those dirty birds who's boss. 
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Even if it's a sub spot. I hope he does well
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- need to take a good look at themselves
Play with intensity and a bit of mongrel and give us the spark that we're after.
Yes, Longmuir, J, yes.
Yes, Longmuir, J, yes.
PurpleReign
Cancelled
- Jan 29, 2013
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Someone just has to show him a few pictures of what a footy looks like so he knows what to look for.
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