Fremantle defender Michael Johnson has re-signed with the Dockers for a further two years, tying him to the AFL club until the end of 2015.
Johnson’s career was at the crossroads after an indifferent 2011 campaign, in which he only avoided being dropped during the season due to the club’s heavy injury toll.
A year earlier, he was fined $500 after pleading guilty to a charge of possession of cocaine.
But the 28-year-old produced one of his finest years in 2012 under new coach Ross Lyon, finishing third in the best and fairest.
Johnson has continued that strong form into this season, and is now an integral part of Fremantle’s defensive set-up.
“Michael has grown into a terrific defender,” Fremantle list manager Brad Lloyd said.
“His skill level and leadership have become very important to our defence.”
Johnson has played 153 games since being snared with pick No.8 in the 2004 pre-season draft.
Meanwhile, Fremantle midfielder David Mundy says injuries won’t be used as an excuse as the club attempts to snap a two-game losing streak in Friday night’s home clash with Richmond.
The Dockers were without skipper Matthew Pavlich, ruckman Aaron Sandilands and defender Luke McPharlin in Saturday’s 42-point loss to Hawthorn in Tasmania.
Although McPharlin is a strong chance to return against the Tigers, Pavlich (plantaris) is at least four weeks away from resuming, while Sandilands (hamstring) might need another two months on the sidelines.
Fremantle held their own against Hawthorn after quarter-time, and Mundy said the team’s confidence remained high despite the continued absence of champion veterans Pavlich and Sandilands.
“We’re a team based on effort and role, not personnel,” Mundy said.
“Having Luke out or having Matthew out isn’t an excuse we’re happy with. We pride ourselves on effort.”
Richmond’s winning start to the season was ended on Saturday when they suffered a 34-point loss to Collingwood.
Fremantle beat the Tigers twice last season, but Richmond appear to be a genuine top-eight contender this year.
