He actually worked his way into things nicely. Shocked he didn’t get dropped early but credit where it is due, he stood up more and more the less support he had around him.
He’s a decent kick when he wants to use it too.
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He’s good enough that given where Essendon sits, he’ll remain best 23 for another year or two (so long as we don’t completely fk up the draft/trades over that time).
But in reality he should only be a depth player.
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As long as he doesnt play like a s%ft c^ck like at the start of the year, im happy for him to be in the team. Just showing some effort is enough for me at this stage. His 2nd half of the year was way better than the 1st.
Happy to have him, but his kicking won’t sent us anywhere other than up the boundary line.
Reid, Ridley, Redman, hopefully Roberts and Johnson need to take on more daring kicks out of d50 if we are to cosplay as a finals capable side.
Ridley in particular used to be great at this but regressed to taking the easy option. Not sure if that’s to do with injuries or being Brad Scottified but he has the skill to do more.
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Not sure Johnson and Prior can fit in the same backline though. They’ll probably go
McGrath/Nguyen McKay Reid
Redman Ridley Roberts
Then one bench spot up for grabs
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I agree.
Johnson is a weapon in search of job. And prior is a jobber in search of a weapon.
Fingers crossed Johnson can knuckle down and learn a role.
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It’s Hibbert.. not Hibberd
If everyone is healthy then its VFL for me.
Mcgrath, Nguyen, Roberts, Johnson, Redman, Mckay, Reid, Ridley, Hayes and even Clarke should all be chosen before him IMO.
And if we draft Duursma or Taylor they should both be prioritized over him.
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I like Johnson’s kicking behind the ball, so long term it may be Roberts that moves up the ground and Johnson takes his spot
He was in the 18 at the start of the year. Never dropped. Improved across the year (albeit from a low base). I strongly doubt we signed a player to a year and expect him to begin in VFL given how his 2025 season progressed.
I expect him to be in the 23 at the very least. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s pushed up to the wing more often too. He’s not going to be VFL unless there’s a major form slump.
How Johnson fits in is a tougher prospect. I don’t think the backline is for him but that’s where his opportunity lies. He’s two pre-seasons away from having a chance at a midfield rotation, is probably half a season away from competently being able to run the wing and he’s been untried as a high half forward but probably is two pre-seasons away from being able to competently run up and back the field in that position. He’s more likely to be developing in the VFL than Prior. And I have no issues with that.
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It does depend on your opinion of some of our fringe type players, but I’ve got both Prior and Johnson in my round 1 starting 23 at present. I like to think the reason Johnson was dropped during the season was related to his age, and nothing to do with what they think of his football ability.
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I thought this was announced a while back? Any bearing on available list spots for the upcoming draft?
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No, no bearing on available list spots. Our rookie list was over capacity due to the mid season draft. We all knew a couple had to be elevated, and now they have.
Leaves us with 5 senior list spots, and a full rookie A list, and one spot on the rookie B list.
Rookie A list (El-Hawli, Day-Wicks, Edwards, May, Blakiston, McMahon).
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Ok, ok, I’m finally willing to forgive Prior for his softcock start with us.
Gave a ■■■■ tonight, when many others did not. I can respect that.
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Absolute scan is. Pathetic and dumb.
Give us a super update
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He is rubbish, but I will give him credit for one thing.
He gives his all every time he takes the field, which is more than can be said about a lot of his teammates
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There are a lot worse than him in this side but he appears to be the whipping boy.
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Cops it too unfairly on here, plenty others who deserve to get more ■■■■ thrown at them like he does
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