Michael Johnson (Australian rules footballer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Michael Johnson |
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Johnson playing for Fremantle in March 2016
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Michael Johnson | ||
| Date of birth | 20 October 1984 | ||
| Original team | Perth (WAFL) | ||
| Draft | No. 8, 2004 pre-season draft | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Michael Johnson is a former professional Australian rules football player. He was born on October 20, 1984. Michael played for the Fremantle Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Contents
Early Life and Football Start
Michael Johnson started his football journey at the Perth Football Club. This club is part of the WAFL, a major league in Western Australia. He was chosen by the Fremantle Football Club in the 2004 Preseason Draft. This is how teams pick new players. Michael also graduated from the Clontarf Football Academy. This academy helps young Indigenous Australians with education and sport.
Michael Johnson's AFL Career
Michael made his first appearance in the AFL in 2005. He played his debut game against the Richmond team. He quickly showed he was a talented and flexible player. He could play in different positions on the field. Because of his strong performances, he signed new contracts to stay with Fremantle.
Key Moments in His Career
In 2006, Michael was one of the top players for Fremantle. He finished as a runner-up for the club's best and fairest award, called the Doig Medal. This showed how important he was to the team.
He faced a challenge in 2007 when he was suspended for four games. This happened after a collision in a pre-season match. In 2009, Michael was chosen to be a captain for a pre-season game. He also joined the team's leadership group for the 2010 season. This meant he helped guide the team. He also won the award for the club's best clubman in 2009.
In 2017, Michael played a very important role for Fremantle. He helped the team improve their performance early in the season. He often assisted Aaron Sandilands in the ruck. The ruck is where players compete for the ball at the start of play.
Michael Johnson decided to retire from playing football at the end of the 2018 season. After retiring, he continued to work with the Fremantle Football Club. In 2019, he became their first Indigenous and multicultural liaison officer. In this role, he helps connect the club with Indigenous and diverse communities.
Career Achievements
Michael Johnson had a successful career with Fremantle. He was recognized as an All-Australian player in 2013. This means he was considered one of the best players in the entire league that year. He was also named to the Fremantle Football Club's "25 since ‘95 Team." This team celebrates the best players from the club's history since 1995. In 2013, he also became a Fremantle Life Member. This is a special honor for players who have made a big contribution to the club.
