As someone who dreamed of playing on the MCG as a child, Sydney defender Alex Johnson’s first AFL game at the venue was a tad underwhelming.

Of the 26 matches Johnson has played, his side’s 43-point loss to Richmond in round 21 last year stands out as one of the most disappointing.

“I grew up in Melbourne so the `G was the home of footy and that’s where I loved to go on a Saturday afternoon and watch footy,” Johnson told AAP.

“To go down there last year and get beaten pretty convincingly by Richmond was pretty disappointing.

“It’s a great opportunity this weekend to redeem ourselves from that and get one back.”

Like teammate Luke Parker, Johnson hasn’t sighted the second-year blues this season.

The pair, who combined for 33 games in their first season on the Swans’ list, show maturity beyond their years on the field.

And off the field they sound like veterans – take Johnson’s explanation for why other second-year players have dropped off after outstanding debut seasons.

“Kids might play 20-plus games in their first year – similar to me – and get complacent,” he said.

“Think that `I’ve sort of made it. And that’s it. Everything will keep rolling into place’.

“And if you let that happen – whether it’s your second year or your sixth year, it’s going to affect you pretty badly.

“So that’s been my goal … to be happy but not be overly happy with it.”

Swans coach John Longmire couldn’t be happier with the 20-year-old, who looks like a key defender but boasts the pace to keep up with small forwards.

“He’s a second-year player who is doing an enormous job for us every week,” Longmire said.

“He’s learning all the time and he’s playing almost every minute of every game.”

Johnson’s unassuming and hard-working character underpinned his junior career and was a trait noted be plenty of recruiters prior to the 2010 draft.

As for his football nous, it’s easy to see where it came from – hundreds of Saturdays spent in the MCG stands.

“I’ve grown up with it and I just love the game,” Johnson said.