Since making her round one AFLW debut against North Melbourne, Johnson has looked right at home in Geelong’s back half.
Johnson, Geelong’s pick 15 in the AFLW draft, ticked off her debut alongside eight other Cats ins with a statistic line of six touches, three marks and a tackle.
Retaining her spot in round two, Johnson was solid once again, chalking up seven touches and five tackles in the Cats’ 14-point loss to Carlton.
It’s an exciting step in a burgeoning career, but the 21-year-old admitted it was surreal to run out onto Arden St for the first of hopefully many more games.
“The build-up was kind of surreal, it didn’t really feel like we were playing until we were there,” Johnson said.
“I saw a few Fox Footy cameras and thought ‘this is a bit crazy’.
“But it went well and the girls played well. It was just a great experience.
“I was glad to get the debut out of the way, as much as I loved the experience and the build-up.
“Now that I know what to expect each week, it’s now a reminder to just play my role for the team and not get too caught up in anything.”
If the young half-back felt daunted or outpaced by the competition, she didn’t show any sign of it.
“It’s definitely been a step up, but it hasn’t been too overwhelming,” Johnson said.
“I’ve enjoyed the increased intensity and pressure.”
With support from the backline coaching team and guidance from defensive counterpart Chantelle Emonson, Johnson’s move from the wing to the backline looks to have unearthed an exciting prospect for the Cats.
“I think that wing position has helped with my defensive mindset,” Johnson said.
“I did enjoy my time on the wing, but I’m really liking my time on the half-back line.
“Chantelle Emonson, she was a winger herself and she’s come over from Melbourne.
“She’s someone I’ve had a few discussions with and I’ve learnt from watching her train and play.”
But like many other professional athletes, Johnson has been forced to contend with ongoing COVID-19 struggles.
After two solid outings, Geelong’s #30 was struck down with the virus before the round three clash against Collingwood.
“It’s a bit uncontrollable right now, but we’re lucky to have good depth in the squad,” Johnson said.
“Every week there are a few people out, but we have enough players to cover that.”
Released from isolation on Wednesday, Johnson returned for the round four clash against Brisbane at the weekend where she had seven possessions.
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