Last week the AFL announced it will expand its commitment to the elite junior pathway of the AIS/AFL Academy, with the introduction of a two-tier model for its 15th intake of young players for the 2012 year.
Johnson - a former Co-Captain, dual All Australian and triple premiership player with the Lions during an outstanding 264-game career with the Club - will head the Level One Program of the AIS/AFL Academy, which includes 30 players chosen from the 2011 NAB AFL Under 16 championships, with a clear directive to prepare players for the next stage of their junior career.
Michael O’Loughlin will remain AIS/ AFL Academy Head Coach and will be in charge of the Level Two program.
AFL National Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan said the talent within the Level One squad will be nurtured and developed under the guidance of Johnson.
“I’m delighted that Chris has agreed to expand his current role within the AFL’s Multicultural and Indigenous Program to share his vast experience with our next generation of Future Stars,” he said.
Johnson already has previous experience in helping guide future young stars after spending a couple of years with the Lions as Development Coach in 2008 and 2009.
Speaking as a special guest at last Saturday night’s Kevin Murray Club function in Melbourne, Johnson said he is now enjoying watching his former students’ on-field careers really start to blossom.
“I had a lot to do with a lot of the younger guys at the Club after I retired and became Development Coach,” Johnson said.
“I worked closely with guys like Rich, Leuenberger, Redden, Rockliff and Polkinghorne who are the players that will see the Club well into the future.”
“It’s actually been these younger guys that have been leading the way a fair bit this year. You look at their key defensive indicators and they have been really good in that area and haven’t dropped away.”
“I think the guys are starting to grow together and keep to the game plan that Vossy is trying to implement which is a great sign for the future,” he said.
