2008 Player Review - # 11 Paul Johnson

[Demonland 73,140]

11. Paul Johnson [199cm 108 kg 26.06.84 - 43 games (16 in 2008), 11 goals (7 in 2008)] – the club’s most improved player had a season that was far less interrupted by injury than in previous seasons although he did miss the last two games after undergoing hip surgery.

Johnson took significant steps forward in his development in all facets of the game, particularly his marking and his ruck work and is set to establish himself either on the ball or in attack.

[waynewussell 6,237]

A big improver over his time with Dees. Clever at things other than tap outs. Beautiful left foot, can penetrate, and a decent shot on goal when required. Just enough angry pills to be competetive against any opposition. Provided leadership when little on offer. If his body is right (will it ever be?) then one of first picked with our babies around him.

[deeflog 679]

Where is this guys best position? CHF, ruck, FF. Personally i think he would make a fantastic roaming CHF playing between 30 meters out from goal and the centre line.

[H_T 3,049]

Good summary of PJ Demonland. High Tower has improved in 2008, and look forward to him gaining more confidence and getting more improvement in 2009. Outside chance for Goal of the Year too.

[beelzebub 23,383]

Have thought this guy to be quite interestin gfor awhile, this past year validating if only my interest. Its starting to come together for him..but he's still not quite there and for the life of me I cant really fault much of what he does..but he need to crank it up a notch. He can be quite a handy kick going forward from teh arc and possibly , picking his moments need to do just that whther its heading for home or ramming it down the throat of the square with hopes of mark or ball to groudn to goal etc.

Going to be an interesting year in 09 for PJ...far more upside ( and dimensionality ) than that other fellow

[Pello 1]

I heard somewhere that he is the 5th fastest at the club. If true then that's amazing for a guy who is 199cm tall and weighs 108kg.

He has good skills and is very mobile and quick for a big bloke but he seems to start games well then drift out of the game. Not sure if it is a fitness thing but he needs to be more consistent throughout a game.

[Melbourne_777 0]

Although been unfortunate with injuries over the years, he has been up there with the most improved and hopefully this season has only beem a look into what's to come!

[titan_uranus 25,043]

I love his consistent work ethic. I'm not sold on his ruckwork, but I reckon he has the mobility to be a decent forward. But whatever, at least he can play.

[Guest MFC Supporter]

He is the mobile ruckman Melbourne FC has been searching for.

He has great skill & great hands.

Could be dangerous with more time in the Forward line but with our list right now, is required to play as a Ruckman...

Think he'll only improve from here.

[rpfc 28,779]

Getting better, and asserting himself more in marking contests.

But his ruckwork has stagnated. Needs to work on this, I don't want to have Jamar as first ruck with PJ relieving in the long term. I don't think it is good enough a combination.

If Warnock doesn't spill to the PSD and Vickery cannot be assured, we have to throw a wide net with our rookie selections and find someone good enough to allow a second ruckman like PJ to flourish.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

But his ruckwork has stagnated.

The big improvers

Paul Johnson: Has the best hitout-to-advantage of any of the Demons' three ruckmen.

[beelzebub 23,383]

If we dont pick up a ruck across the break Id be happy enough persevering with PJ as such and maybe bringing someone else on. As I suggested elsewhere..next year is but another step in the right direction..its not the arrival at the destination. We wont necesaarily have all the bits in place. PJ has earnt, I reckon , the chance to step up a notch again in this role.

Yes ..an important qualifier that..hitouts to advantage

[Pates 9,660]

The thing about PJ is that i don't think he can hold down the no. 1 rucking position, that's not to say he'll be ineffectual but it does mean he has to be better around the ground. IMO he's proved he can do that, his skills for a big man are excellent and his pace is deceptive.

I see him being a mobile forward/ruckman, I don't think he has the ability to carry the FF position but as a second tall he could become wuite handy. Something that he has really improved on this year is his ability to take a grab, he has woeful at it prior to 2008.

[The Backyard Charizard 1,202]

Had a really good year IMHO.... Tries his guts out and continuously improves..... That is what we need in a big man....