17. Chris Johnson [188 cm 87 kg 25.01.86- 31 games (10 in 2008) 2 goals (2 in 2008)] – the son of former Demon great, Alan Johnson is finally starting to come of age after five seasons at the club.

After a slow start to the season, he returned to the Demon side in mid season and started racking up good numbers including a career-best 33 disposals in the win over the Brisbane Lions before succumbing to a groin injury late in the year.

I'll eat humble pie on this one. Thought he was gone at the end of 2006, and was a list clogger. Should be starting 22 next year.

However, I wouldn't mind him packaged into a possible Warnock deal.

He's gone from a stinker to middle of the road. I'd still move him on. IMO we've been too quick in the past to sign crap players on for longer than needed on the back of a few good games at the end of their contract.

Id be inclined to stand in line with Nasher on this guy. Johnson arrives at club with some fanfare and genuine promise based upon some real talent. 5 YEARS LATER !! what do we have ??..To be quite frank...not a lot. He shows some moments of genuine ability...but moments alone dont make an AFL player...more importantly...not a player that can contribute to lift a mediocre performing club to competitive. He seems a member of a band of blokes at Melbourne who could carve out more than handy VFL careers . Either he steps up in 09 and plays real footy properly or he keeps walking to the carpark.

Im increasingly frustrated by these types of guys at Melbourne. What is the point in having, let alone persistig with anyone who can play a "little" footy?? what does this gain ?? Sure put 40 of them on the pitch and we have a useful team, unfortunately youre only allowed 18 !! <_<

Not at all convinced about this guy...would rather any worth he has is invested in someone else..He's had his dash for mine.

Actually I liked the way he played towards the end of the year; so much so that I would be inclined to keep him. I reckon he's got some real skill, and we all know that we desperately need players who can kick the ball.

Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised nor upset if he was traded.

In the matches he played this year he was good. Racked the ball up and used it well. Definate keeper.

Some thoughts re CJ

Has Some ability, plays Some games and been around quite SOME time !!

Something has to give....or Someone !!

Id be inclined to stand in line with Nasher on this guy. Johnson arrives at club with some fanfare and genuine promise based upon some real talent. 5 YEARS LATER !! what do we have ??..To be quite frank...not a lot. He shows some moments of genuine ability...but moments alone dont make an AFL player...more importantly...not a player that can contribute to lift a mediocre performing club to competitive. He seems a member of a band of blokes at Melbourne who could carve out more than handy VFL careers . Either he steps up in 09 and plays real footy properly or he keeps walking to the carpark.

Im increasingly frustrated by these types of guys at Melbourne. What is the point in having, let alone persistig with anyone who can play a "little" footy?? what does this gain ?? Sure put 40 of them on the pitch and we have a useful team, unfortunately youre only allowed 18 !! <_<

Not at all convinced about this guy...would rather any worth he has is invested in someone else..He's had his dash for mine.

Bez, Lets put things into perspective. After just (1) ONE, season with Bailey, many young &/or experienced players have CHANGED their game & styles for ther better.

Just how many were stagnating from the old regime will be hard to quantify but the response of many of our youngsters to stand up & grab an opportunity offered by the coach is pleasing, not to mention the mature of our players like the improvement in Green, Miller, Jamar, Johnston, Wheatley, Moloney between injuries.

I think the trust given to the players in opportunity & games has delivered dividends to our future, some seen allready, others yet to come.

I'll eat humble pie on this one. Thought he was gone at the end of 2006, and was a list clogger. Should be starting 22 next year.

However, I wouldn't mind him packaged into a possible Warnock deal.

My very thoughts and feelings - a "good ordinary player" with perhaps unreasonable congenital expectations .

Deeluded.. what you say may eventually ring true. Some ( theres that word again ..lol ) may pick up the pace and 'get with the plan'. Im just not actually convince he's got the smarts for it. he ought to be a lot cluier than he demonstrates by now..but als that wil lbe put down by many and different strokes for different folks etc..each in their own time and apparently we have all of creation to wait til these lads bring their A game to the ground week in week out ( not a dig at you btw..lol )

For mine CJ is on a list of perform or go home.. Just as many will be un-cloggeed this year.. he may well find hinself staring down the barrel come end of next season if he doesnt produce and it doesnt really matter why he doesnt. If thats the case. I mean...are we running a convalescence home or attempting a competitive AFL team ?? I wonder sometimes !!

I'm pleased he was given more games in the seniors in 2008. I also acknowledge that Chris was in our best in a few games, scoring a Brownlow vote in one. He has smarts and he has skill, my only question mark is about his ability to survive physical pressure. He will need more agression to become a valuable commodity as the sweeper (Mackie is a prime example). I would give him another year unless an attractive trade was offered... second round me thinks.

CJ, hit his straps under Bailey this year. Pleasing to see his confidence, effort and persistence in games improve dramatically.

How unfortunate he injured his groin, not a good sign for the preseason just around the corner. Will need to continue his form under Bailey's tutelage to remain at the Dees.

He's gone from a stinker to middle of the road. I'd still move him on. IMO we've been too quick in the past to sign crap players on for longer than needed on the back of a few good games at the end of their contract.

I agree but I think we will still keep him on a short term contract.

I'll eat humble pie on this one. Thought he was gone at the end of 2006, and was a list clogger. Should be starting 22 next year.

However, I wouldn't mind him packaged into a possible Warnock deal.

Yep. He does seem to have been packaged into a Warnock deal. The two of them are off to Caaarlton!