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From Hobsons Bay Leader
Reported by Paul Amy
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WILLIAMSTOWN champion Brett Johnson has called a close to his distinguished VFL career.

The former Hawthorn and Carlton left-footer told Seagulls officials that greater work responsibilities (he is with the AFL Players Association) would prevent him from playing on.

Johnson gained life membership of the VFL this year after reaching 175 senior games.

A member of Box Hill's 2001 premiership team while on Hawthorn's list, he joined Willy six years ago and been captain for the past five seasons.

"He's been a great player for our club, no doubt," Williamstown general manager Brendan Curry said.

"But as he told me, his one regret is that he didn't play in a flag with us.''

Johnson led the Seagulls into this year's grand final against Port Melbourne.

Highlights of his VFL career included the state captaincy, four team-of-the-year plaques, three top-three finishes in the JJ Liston Trophy and Willy's best and fairest in 2008 and 2010.

His departure follows that of wingman Ben Davies, defender David Stretton and dasher Matty Grossman.

"It is a changing of the guard," Curry noted.

He confirmed experienced midfielder Ben Jolley would take over the captaincy.