Fremantle Dockers wingman Matt Johnson has focused on his speed to break into star studded midfield

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Fremantle Dockers wingman Matt Johnson has focused on his speed to break into star studded midfield

Fremantle wingman Matt Johnson has spent the last two months doing private training sessions that focus on improving his explosive speed in a bid to get more opportunities alongside the club’s star studded midfielders next season.

Johnson played 19 games last season but was played mostly as a wingman. The 21-year-old showed off his ability to play as an inside midfielder against Richmond in round eight when Nat Fyfe played as the sub, collecting a career-high 25 disposals and kicking one goal.

But Johnson recognised that he needed to do more to convince coach Justin Longmuir to consistently play him alongside Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw and Hayden Young. So he went straight to Fremantle’s Director of Football Performance & Innovation, Adam Beard, and mapped out an off-season plan.

“I spoke with Adam Beard about trying to improve explosiveness out of contests,” Johnson explained from the club’s Community Camp in Karratha.

Camera IconMatthew Johnson signs autographs for kids in Karratha. Credit: Craig O’Donoghue

“I did a few sessions with him in the off-season to work on that. I think it’s definitely helped me so far. You have that natural ability but it’s about refining it and trying to improve it. Everyone at this level has a lot of natural talent so you’ve got to find ways to improve yourself.

“That’s always been my goal – to be an inside midfielder. I’m working hard on my power around stoppage to try to improve.”

Competition for midfield minutes will again be fierce with Nat Fyfe’s big body and experience a key part of the club’s planning, while Shai Bolton is expected to rotate into the midfield while also playing forward after being recruited from Richmond.

Johnson recognised that being given the chance to play on the wing was still important for his game.

Camera IconMatt Johnson in action. Credit: Jason McCawley/via Getty Images

“It’s a blessing and a curse. You get to develop in other areas. Getting an opportunity to play in the team, I don’t take that for granted. Last year, to play on the wing for a lot of it, I still loved it,” he said.

Fremantle players spent Tuesday morning conducting school visits around Karratha and Johnson was quick to immerse himself with the students at Tambrey Primary School as they took part in a push-up challenge while raising funds for Movember.

Camera IconMatt Johnson answers questions from kids. Credit: Craig O’Donoghue

“It’s a good initiave. Any time you can do something for a charity it is good to get involved. Hopefully I can show these kids up a little bit,” he laughed.

“We want to try our best to inspire them. Whether that’s playing footy or any other sport in general.”

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