IT IS easy to forget that just two years ago Collingwood midfielder Ben Johnson was entrenched in the club's leadership group.

The recent retirement of champions Nathan Buckley, James Clement and Scott Burns has forced the Magpies to dig deep into their leadership cabinet and this summer debate will warm about who should be their next leader.

A couple of years ago Johnson would have been a candidate, but says his absence from contention this time is expected after a couple of down years.

Even though he's unlikely to have a leadership title in 2009, the left-footer doesn't think the role should purely be left to others.

Perhaps he'll feel more comfortable setting an example without prying eyes watching for a slip up.

"Two years ago I was vice-captain and then I didn’t really have a couple of good years and that's what happens, you lose that," Johnson told collingwoodfc.com.au.

"I just want to do my part for the team and play good footy.

"I think the leaders we’ve got now are more than capable and you can still be a leader without being in the leadership group."

Off-field indiscretions, injury and fitness concerns have conspired against the 27-year-old and he knows some will have the knives sharpened if he struggles again next year.

While intent on lifting his own game to another level, he is equally keen to help nurture a group missing the experience of previous campaigns.

And Collingwood supporters would welcome the sight of a fit, in-form Johnson looking for greater responsibility.

"That's what I’ve got to get back to … [the] last two years I probably haven't been a good example," he said.

"I never shared with the young blokes what I got up to off the ground, but just around the place I should have been better with skinfolds and just the little things like that.

"This year, I'm doing my best to change that and I think I’m getting there."

While he is conscious of leading the way off the field, Johnson is also looking forward to a renewed presence on the ground.

Sixteen senior appearances in 2008 wasn't the return he's used to and he aims to be a more regular, active member of the side.

"You've got me and Heath Shaw who have played a lot of footy seasons [together] now, and Presti (Simon Prestigiacomo) should be back this year, as well as Nicky Maxwell," he said.

"That's a lot of experience between us.

"We share that load and things should turn out well."