Johnson, 22, returns to the 25 man squad after serving a four match suspension from round two of the NAB Cup and adds strength to the defence as the club looks to secure consecutive wins.
Senior Coach Chris Connolly today said Johnson’s return was a welcome one.
“He’s a class player and we’ll welcome him back into the team,” Connolly said.
“The more class players you can have playing together the better off the team is going to be. We certainly fit him in as one of our class players, having come second in our club champion last year.”
Connolly said the time off-field had allowed Johnson to lengthen his pre-season training and his body was better for it.
“His skin folds are at an all time record,” he said.
“He’s super fit. He played in a practice match a few weeks ago and played well and his training has been terrific.”
With Johnson proving to be a versatile option across the board, Connolly said there was no guarantee he would line up in the back half.
“I see Michael Johnson as a player who can play all over the ground, so he can play back, midfield and forward,” he said.
“I think you need players in your team who give you that flexibility. We’ll position him in a position which best suits the team on the weekend.
“It’s simplistic to say, “We’ve had some scores kicked against us – we need him in defence.” Defence is a focus all over the ground.
“He can add to our midfield, half back and wing because he sets up well across there. But he is also a player who can move onto the ball if need be and assist Aaron Sandilands.”
Johnson’s strong defensive presence, reliable overhead marking and run from the backline will be much welcomed as the club looks to secure its first home win against an in-form Adelaide outfit.
Joining Johnson in the 25 man squad is 18-year-old Clayton Collard from South Fremantle.
Taken with Fremantle’s first selection in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft (No. 31 overall), the small speedy forward has proved to be a dangerous proposition in front of goal and when moved onto the ball. He has kicked nine goals for South Fremantle in the WAFL competition so far this season, including four last weekend against East Perth, and has featured in the Bulldogs best players voting twice.
In a match that will double as Shaun McManus’ 200th for the Fremantle Football Club, General Manager of Football Operations Robert Shaw encouraged members and supporters to celebrate McManus’ milestone this Sunday.
“The 200 games milestone is a huge achievement in itself,” Shaw said.
“To reach the milestone, in the fashion Shaun has, is inspirational. He epitomises everything this club stands for with his spirit, determination and passion for Fremantle.
“His career is one characterised by courage, determination and commitment.
“It is a deserving honour for a champion of the club.”
Sunday’s clash will see Fremantle Football Club continue its tribute to the ANZACS, through the annual Len Hall Game.
Now in its 12th year, the Len Hall Game will this year commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Special Air Services (SAS). It is an opportunity for members and supporters to pay their respects to the many men and women who served, suffered and those who made the supreme sacrifice during the war.
The Len Hall commemoration ceremony kicks off at 2.20pm.
Bouncedown is scheduled for 2.45pm.
Channel Seven will telecast the match into WA from 3pm, while FOX Sports 1 and GWN will telecast the match live.
Fremantle Team – Round 5 v Adelaide
B: Mundy, McPharlin, Hayden
HB: Grover, Johnson, Dodd
C: Black, Hasleby, McManus
HF: Solomon, Pavlich, Headland
F: Bell, Tarrant, Gilmore
Foll: Sandilands, M. Carr, J. Carr
I/C (from): Campbell, Cook, Collard, Crowley, Warnock, Walker, Webster
In: Johnson, Warnock, Collard, Cook
Out: Parker (inj)
200 Club/AFL Games
Shaun McManus
DOB: 9 February 1976
Playing honours: Inaugural Fremantle Squad member from East Fremantle (pre-draft selection); debut round 5, 1995; Rising Star nominee; two knee reconstructions (1997 and 1998); club co-captain (with Adrian Fletcher 2000 and 2001); WA State of Origin 2003; Best Clubman award 2002.
Debut
Clayton Collard
DOB: 4 December 1988
Draft History: 2006 NAB AFL Draft 2nd round selection (Fremantle) No. 31 overall
Debut
Robert Warnock
DOB: 19 January 1987
Draft History: 2005 NAB Draft 3rd round selection (Fremantle) No. 42 overall. Recruited from Sandringham Dragons
