Johnson said the entire Lions organisation was hoping for a speedy recovery by Merrett.
“Roger Merrett is one of the most genuine and caring people I have come across and my thoughts and those of everyone at the Brisbane Lions are with both him and his family during this difficult time,” Mr Johnson said.
“The news of his illness came as a great shock to us all at the Lions and we wish him a very speedy recovery."
“Roger was as tough as they come on the field and I’ve got no doubt he’ll continue to show the same fighting traits during his recovery.”
The Queensland AFL icon joined the Brisbane Bears in 1988, going on to forge a remarkable career for the Club that spanned 164 games and 285 goals across nine seasons.
Merrett captained the Bears for seven consecutive seasons and retired at the end of 1996. He also spent a brief period as caretaker coach of the Brisbane Lions in 1998.
The Merrett name is also immortalised at the Club with the annual Brisbane Lions Club Champion award - the Merrett-Murray Medal - named in honour of both himself and Fitzroy legend Kevin Murray.
