Was recruited last year with much fanfare and big wraps primarily on his ability to find targets by foot.
At times he showed that ability but other times not quite so.
Defensively man on man I think he wasn't very good, but on occasions he linked up well and read the play pretty well.

How much upside has he got left and considering the growing depth of the list, will he be around for the long haul?

The Footy Bible...."The AFL Prospectus" for Season 2009; said about Johnson's disposal...."Johnson's kicking efficiency was below average for a defender

and was an area which needs improvement to match the competition's best"

And to me......he sure hasn't improved his disposal at all.....very disappointing.

_________________
No ones listening till you make a mistake.

Good topic, Rexy. He's kind of taken over from JR as many fans' whipping boy du jour. He didn't do himself many favours last season and injury came at an inopportune time and in an embarrasing manner. Would think the Ratts and Riles would be less than keen to throw him on the scrap heap, given they invested some moral capital in him. Can't believe they didn't know of his weaknesses and were blinded by his potential skills, though I guess he didn't cost us all that much. Many Dees' supporters dubbed him soft and he is yet to shake that suspicion here.

Must be a make or break year for him, given we've got some harder, faster running nuts of similar stature. Perhaps he's not really cut out to be a defender. Whatever, would think that if he doesn't show silkily exquisite foot-skills in the Ants, he won't get a new contract.

Johnson lacks the leg speed that the likes of Russell Armfield Anderson Davies O'Keeffe have so he's going to be up against it for a spot.
As with most, he must seize any opportunity given.

_________________
There's so much I could say...

i'm told he is being groomed as a small fwd where he can also play a defensive role!

_________________
#NewBlues beginning 25th August 2015

Would prefer Carrazzo play that role.

I've always wondered whether he'd be better off as a mobile half-forward type. He is not your typical tough-checking hard-bodied defender, so can always be exposed in defence, and probably lacks the pace to break the lines running from defence or on a wing.

Unlike many I think his kicking skills have actually been very good over the course of his career (I know most people will think of the Bulldogs game but he was clearly injured) and he can kick it long as well so figure he might be useful on a forward flank. Thoughts?

_________________
Formerly Blues-Back2003.

I agree Johnson is a player that will do more damage forward of centre but it's a lot harder to get the ball in that area.

_________________
You want the flame? Give us the marbles!!

..for me, the kind of player he is, and how our list is developing i can only see him as a possible winger/link-up role.. ..not for leg speed [not much there], but for his ability to move the ball on quickly by foot.. ..with a new fwd structure, F50 delivery will be even more important for us..

_________________
..if you can't be good, be good at it..

A very poor recruiting decision .
He's not good enough to play AFL , and will be gone at the end of this season .

_________________
Get the facts first.
Then you can distort them at your leisure.

He would have to improve heaps to get a regular game this year......IMO......he's a similar type to Browne who has more potential.

_________________
No ones listening till you make a mistake.

Not enough pace for a small defender and not enough strength in the contest against bigger opponents. As I've stated previously, coaches are like sheep.
One team wins a flag with long kicking lefties and suddenly long kicking lefties are the hottest commodity on the market.
Be thankful Geelong didn't have a few bald headed drag queens playing for them or we may have drafted Molly Meldrum.

_________________
Looking forward to seeing our potential realised.

I can't see a spot for him. Good ordinary player in my book. Plenty of better options available for small fwd role ... Betts Garlett Yarran Kerr Carrazzo Robinson. If they give him a go up fwd I hope he proves me wrong.

The writing was on the wall for Johnson after that shocking 1st qtr against the Doggies early last season where he turned the ball over 3 or 4 times in a row....
I'd be expecting him to seize an opportunity he is given at senior level this year. Ratts abd Bomber would surely have drummed it into him that he's AFL future is hanging by a thread, and the balls in his court...

_________________
James Hird and Essendon* FC - #FOREVERDRUGCHEATS

There's hope for any player if they have the necessary skills and desire. And with any luck Johnson will kick on in 2010 (pun half intended). Let's start with baby steps for Chris...

_________________
Click here to follow TalkingCarlton on twitter
TalkingCarlton Posting Rules

Was really excited getting him ... but geez bit dissapointed with his efforts for the club so far. One highlight was the goal against Freo so I can see a forward role for him ... but more as a depth player ... we seem to have whathe can do in spades and he would really need to lift his game to get a regular spot.

Tried something but didnt work, his kicking falls apart under pressure and his defensive skills are ordinary.
Be a handy Bullants player and may play the odd senior game when injuries occur but would be on my delist list at seasons end.

_________________
"When you have the attitude of a champion, you see adversity as your
training partner."
- Conor Gillen

Shows a bit but made too many errors and IMO he tends to play 'weak' - that is he seems to cough up the pill too easily when tackled/pressure is applied

A weak link last year so needs to step (and toughen) up

_________________
It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to paint it

No.

Needed a season to settle into the new environment so this year will be very important for him.