Ben Johnson (footballer)
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| Personal Info | |
|---|---|
| Birth | April 5, 1981, |
| Recruited from | St Marys (VMFL)/Preston U18
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| Playing Career¹ | |
| Debut | Round 1, March 13, 2000, Collingwood vs. Hawthorn, at Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| Team(s) | Collingwood (2000-)
136 games, 32 goals |
| ¹ Statistics to end of R2006 season | |
| Career Highlights | |
|
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Ben Johnson (born April 5, 1981) is an Australian rules footballer.
Originally from St Marys, Johnson was snapped up late in the 1999 AFL Draft, no.62 overall. He started his career with a bang, kicking 3 goals on debut for the Magpies, however, he settled as most first-year players and struggled to play-out in consistent fashion, being dropped mid-season. He established himself as a tough running half-back who could play a key tagging role on the last line of defence. He could find the ball and his kick that looked ordinary, was efficient.
Johnson became a key player during the 2002 and 2003 Grand Final seasons. He finished top 6 in the best and fairest and was recognised as a top senior player wearing Gavin Brown's number 26. He had over 300 disposals in both the seasons, and played all 25 games in 2003 following 23 games in 2002.
In 2004 however, he had his best year. He was a regular best player in the side, and despite the Magpies loss in form, his increased. He once again played all possible games, and he averaged over 17 touches. He finished equal 2nd in the best and fairest behind winner James Clement by 5 votes, and also polled the most Brownlow Medal votes for the club, with 10. In 2005 he had an interrupted season, with injury concerns after a concussion mid-season, and also a rumoured dispute with coach Mick Malthouse. He only played 13 games, and ended a 77 consecutive games streak.
His 2006 season would be one of his best after a poor 2005, playing all 23 games, and providing great run out of the back line. His dash was recognised early during the year, as he would be at the top of the league in metres gained. Johnson would be awarded the ANZAC Day Medal for being best on ground in the match against Essendon, despite being called "Craig Johnson" by the announcer of the medallion. Johnson continued his form consistently through the season, giving him another second place in the Copeland Trophy and averaging more than 23 disposals. He would be heavily involved in a drunken brawl outside a hotel in Port Melbourne with controversial team-mate Chris Tarrant.
