It is now understood the Western Australian is eager to pursue his AFL career with Carlton and could be targeted by the Blues in the NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft.
Johnson, 22, played 31 matches for Melbourne after being claimed as a father/son selection from East Fremantle in the 2003 NAB AFL Draft.
He made his debut in round eight 2005 against Hawthorn.
After entering the 2008 season with 21 games under his belt, Johnson produced some fine football in the second half of the season, when he played eight consecutive matches from rounds 12 to 19.
From rounds 14 to 17 this year, Johnson collected 108 disposals at an average of 27 touches, including a career-best 33 against the Brisbane Lions in round 14 – one of Melbourne's three wins in 2008.
He missed the Demons' final three games of 2008 with a groin injury.
Johnson is the son of 1983 and 1989 Melbourne best-and-fairest winner Alan.
