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, born on October 20, 1984, is a former professional Australian rules footballer. He played for the Fremantle Football Club. This team is part of the Australian Football League (AFL).
Contents
Michael Johnson's Early Life
Michael started his football journey at the Perth Football Club. This club is part of the WAFL. He was chosen by Fremantle in the 2004 Preseason Draft. He was the 8th player picked. Michael also graduated from the Clontarf Football Academy.
Michael Johnson's AFL Career
Starting His Journey
Michael made his first AFL appearance in 2005. This was in Round 4 against Richmond. He stepped in when another player, Matthew Carr, was sick.
Growing as a Player
Michael showed great promise in both WAFL and AFL games. He was also very good at playing different positions. Because of this, he signed new contracts in 2006. These contracts kept him with Fremantle until the end of the 2011 season.
In 2006, Michael did very well in Fremantle's Best & Fairest award. This award is called the Doig Medal. He finished as the equal runner-up with Peter Bell. This showed he was a rising star for the future.
Challenges and Leadership
His 2007 season began with a tough challenge. He was suspended for four matches. This happened after he collided with Lachlan Hansen in a NAB Cup game. It was part of the AFL's new rules about head contact.
In 2009, Michael was chosen to be captain for a pre-season game. This was a Western Derby. Even though he missed half of the 2009 season due to an ankle injury, he became part of the leadership group for 2010. He also won the club's best clubman award that year.
Later Career and Retirement
In 2017, Michael was a very important player for Fremantle. He helped the team improve early in the season. He even helped Aaron Sandilands in the ruck position. This was important even though the team was focusing on younger players.
Michael Johnson retired from playing football at the end of the 2018 season. In February 2019, he took on a new role. He became Fremantle's first Indigenous and multicultural liaison officer.
