The Echuca footballer is in the midst of her first pre-season with the Cats’ AFL Women’s team; but even some four months on from when she was taken by the club in the AFL Women’s draft, Johnson continues to soak up the many new-found experiences of life as a professional footballer.
“I didn’t really know what I would expect (coming into the AFLW), but it’s been amazing to be there (GMHBA) four times a week, and have all the resources and staff put in place for us to succeed. It’s been pretty special,” Johnson said.
Johnson herself admits she was a surprise pick in the national draft.
The 20-year-old had played less than a season of competitive football before the Cats plucked her out of their VFL Women’s program and thrust her onto the big stage.
While the rise has been swift, Johnson is still content to take a back seat to some of her more high-profile teammates, including highly touted number two draft pick, Georgie Prespakis, the sister of a former league best-and-fairest in Carlton midfielder Maddy Prespakis.
"Everyone was messaging me when I got picked, but I kind of flew under the radar, and I still kind of am,’’ Johnson said.
“We have a couple high-profile players in our team, and not as many people know who I am.
“But I kind of like that, I don’t really like the attention.
“I’m happy to do the work and then surprise a few people again.”
Training on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, as well as on Saturdays, Johnson’s integration into the elite program has been aided by already-formed connections to current players through her time in the VFL.
But a football camp at Lorne last month not only helped Johnson and her teammates bond further, it crystallised what the group stood for and the goals for the upcoming season.
“We’re close on the field, but probably closer off the field,” Johnson said.
“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the girls and hanging out with them.
“We’ve got some new players, new coaches, so I think it’s a nice fresh vibe, and everyone is happy to be there.”
Wrapping up her university commitments for the year has helped Johnson tackle everything that’s been thrown at her throughout a gruelling summer training program.
“It’s quite full-on,” she said. “But my attitude was to embrace it and have a go.
“I felt it was a comfortable and safe environment, so I felt comfortable to be able to do my best, ask a lot of questions and learn.”
Building relationships with an almost entirely brand-new coaching staff, led by first-time senior coach Dan Lowther, has come easily for Johnson, who doesn’t have a bad word to say about him.
“He’s unreal, I really like the way he goes about it,” Johnson said.
“He always tells us why we are doing something, and treats us all the same.”
Transitioning from a defensive winger into the backline during the pre-season, Johnson has spent a large portion of her time with backline coach Jess Foley, a former elite basketballer and footballer herself.
“I’ve got a good relationship with Jess,” Johnson said.
“She’s been a great help as I’ve been transitioning into the backline.”
Playing a defensive style of game on the wing during her team’s latest VFL Women’s campaign, the change of position hasn’t rocked Johnson in the slightest.
She continues to work hard — particularly during the team’s running sessions — and learn from every interaction, with teammate Maddy Keryk a particular wealth of information for Johnson.
“She’s just a smart player who uses her body well, so I’ve looked to her to get a few little tips to implement into my game style,” Johnson said.
“I’ve also been focusing on pushing my player to the least dangerous position.
“And communicating — I find it a bit hard to talk out on the field, so I’ve tried to increase that communication with the other backline players.
“But I’m hoping my most dangerous thing will be being able to push forward and being a dangerous defensive attacker.”
With match simulations and intra-club matches ramping up at Geelong ahead of a January 7 season opening weekend, Johnson is expecting the intensity to take on a whole different level.
But as she has been ever since she entered the world of AFLW, Johnson’s ready to see where the journey takes her.
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