Copy of press release from WFC issued today:
Brett Johnson qualifies for VFL Life Membership
The Williamstown Football Club congratulates our Captain Brett Johnson who this week against North Ballarat plays his 175th Senior VFL game which sees him qualify as a Life Member of the VFL.
The 29 year old Brett Johnson has had a remarkable Senior career since beginning as a 16 year old for WAFL Club Swan Districts where he played 28 Senior games in 1998 and 1999. Johnson was drafted to Hawthorn in the 1999 AFL Draft with pick 23. Johnson played 38 AFL games with Hawthorn between 2000-2003 before being traded to Carlton where he played a further 32 AFL games in 2004 and 2005.
Whilst at Hawthorn Johnson played 49 games with Box Hill in the VFL and was a member of their 2001 VFL Premiership side. Johnson then played a further 10 VFL games with the Northern Bullants who are aligned with Carlton.
At the end of his AFL career Johnson joined Williamstown for the 2006 season and has now played 115 games with the Seagulls. Johnson was appointed Captain of Williamstown for the 2007 season and is now in his fifth year as skipper. Johnson has been a model of consistency throughout his career and he has only missed 2 games through injury when he fractured his cheekbone in 2007 and missed playing in rounds 14 and 15 of that season.
Whilst at Willamstown Johnson has finished runner up twice in the Liston Trophy by one vote (2006 & 2008) and has played 3 interstate games for the VFL and been State Captain on 2 occasions.
In Johnson's 5 completed seasons with the Seagulls his record in the Gerry Callahan Medal for our Best & Fairest is outstanding.
2006 - Runner Up
2007 - 4th
2008 - Co-winner with Liam Picken
2009 - Runner Up
2010 - Winner
Johnson has also been selected in the VFL Team of the Year on 4 occasions - (2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010).
Johnson has now played a total of 277 Senior games which is an outstanding effort for a 29 year old who continues to play at a high standard every time he steps out on the field. Williamstown CEO Brendan Curry stated "Johnno has been an outstanding player for our Club since day one, but his true value is not only assessed with his on field deeds but also what he delivers for our football club off the field with his leadership and the professional manner in which he prepares. Johnson is extremely popular amongst our players, coaching and support staff, sponsors, members and supporters. In alignments it is critical that as a club we have strong role models for not only our young VFL players but also the AFL players who play for us on a weekly basis. Johnno has earnt that respect and he plays a key role in preparing players to advance to AFL football".
Brett Johnson Career Games -
Hawthorn (AFL)- 38
Carlton (AFL)- 32
Swan Districts (WAFL)- 28
Box Hill (VFL) - 49
Northern Bullants (VFL)- 10
VFL (State Games) - 3
Williamstown (VFL)- 115
Williamstown (Foxtel Cup)- 2
TOTAL: 277
