Michael Johnson Biography

Michael Johnson will play in his 244th, and final, AFL game against Collingwood at Optus Stadium after announcing his retirement earlier in the week.

Johnson will end his career level with champion defender Luke McPharlin on games played in purple.

"I’ve known for a while that it’s best for me to move on and allow the young players on the list to get more games and more minutes," Johnson said.

"I feel I’ve left a good legacy for this playing group and for this club, so I’m excited and I can’t wait for my next chapter."

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says Fremantle will consider farewell games for Michael Johnson and Danyle Pearce later in the season, after confirming they won't be at the Dockers in 2019.

The veteran duo have made way for youth this year, with Johnson spending the past four games at Peel and 258-game midfielder Pearce only making three AFL appearances.

"Michael Johnson, we could argue, is our greatest Aboriginal player, so that's something we'll get to," Lyon said.

"As a caring football club, that should be on our agenda."

Michael Johnson accepts a one-game ban for rough conduct while playing for Peel Thunder against West Perth's Jordan Mills in the first quarter.

Michael Johnson is found guilty of assault over a late night, drunken kebab shop fight last year but has avoided a conviction.

The 32-year-old Dockers player punched schoolteacher Tim Bowen in the face after an incident in which Johnson's wife Dayna stole Mr Bowen's phone when she saw him filming her husband.

Magistrate Elaine Campione fined him $3500 plus $188 in costs but granted Johnson a spent conviction allowing him to avoid a criminal record, which would affect his ability to work with indigenous children.

Michael Johnson signs a one-year deal with Fremantle to remain at the club in 2018.

"We’ve got a really young crop of players who have been playing all year, so to be one of the older guys seeing these younger guys coming through while playing some really consistent footy for Fremantle, is a good sign," Johnson said.

Johnson averaged 16.3 disposals and 5.6 marks in 2017, and is 19 games shy of becoming the fourth Docker to hit the 250-match milestone.

"I’m really happy with the way I’m going at the moment," Johnson said.

"There’s no post-season surgery which is a bonus, I haven’t had that for a number of years now so hopefully, day one of pre-season training I’m raring to go."

Joel Hamling hopes veteran defender Michael Johnson plays on in 2018 to help guide the Dockers' young backline.

"I've had some good old guys in my career (like) Harry Taylor and he stacks up with them, even Dale Morris - he's up there with them two," Hamling said.

"I would love to have Johnno around again, of course. Everyone at the club loves Johnno, he's a great leader and off the field."

Michael Johnson says he holds regrets about the pre-season kebab shop incident which will see him face trial later this year.

"It's a situation you don't really want to be in," Johnson said.

"I wouldn't want any player to go through this, because it's not what I do. I'm here to play football so you don't want to be in trouble at all throughout your career."

Michael Johnson has pleaded not guilty to an assault charge stemming from a bizarre early-morning incident at a kebab shop in 2016.

Johnson faced Perth Magistrates Court over the 3am encounter on November 13, which was allegedly captured on CCTV footage.

It is claimed a school teacher filmed Johnson with his pants down around his ankles.

Nat Fyfe will captain Fremantle in 2017 after succeeding David Mundy as skipper of the club.

Fyfe, Mundy, Aaron Sandilands and Lee Spurr have been joined in the 2017 leadership group by star forward Michael Walters and reigning Doig medallist Lachie Neale.

Veteran defender Michael Johnson has been left out after a controversial off-season incident, which saw him charged with assault in a kebab shop.

"It's just fantastic to get the support of the players, and to also have two new members of the leadership group," Fyfe said.

"It's an exciting time for the footy club and we have an exciting group to lead the club for the next four or five years."

Ross Lyon denies that Fremantle's culture has been eroded by a series of off-field incidents, the most recent involving Michael Johnson and Shane Yarran.

"I've been here five years now. Clearly I've heard the headlines thrown about culturally. But cultures are built over a long period of time," Lyon said.

"For four and a half years basically we were pretty much - for want of a better term - incident free.

"But certainly in a period in the off-season there's been a couple of situations that haven't pleased us.

"Clearly there's boundaries in society that if you have alleged to have broken, it escalates well beyond us.

"Our basic premise is you know right from wrong, and civility costs nothing."

Michael Johnson has been charged with assault after a kebab shop patron was allegedly assaulted last week.

The assault against a 23-year-old Bunbury teacher is alleged to have happened in the Perth suburb of Leederville in the early hours of November 13 after the victim filmed the veteran Docker with his pants down around his ankles.

"We are treating the matter seriously and we are very disappointed that Michael placed himself in such a situation last weekend," Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich said.

"In this instance the position Michael placed himself in, including his alleged behaviour, was not acceptable. As a club we support the person and challenge the behaviour."

Michael Johnson is being investigated by police over an alleged assault in Perth in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The West Australian reported a Bunbury man had alleged to police he was struck by a 32-year-old man after a confrontation in a takeaway food shop.

The man filmed a video of the lead-up to the incident, which was shown on Channel Seven's Perth news on Monday night.

The video shows a man alleged to be Johnson with his pants down in a kebab shop moments before the alleged assault.

Fremantle released a statement on Monday saying it was aware of the allegations against Johnson but would not comment until it had completed its own investigation.

"We have been made aware that Fremantle player Michael Johnson, who is on leave, was allegedly involved in an incident in Leederville at the weekend," the Dockers said.

"We are in the process of gathering all relevant information.

"We are not in a position to comment further until that process has been completed."

Michael Johnson won't play again in 2016 after suffering a minor Achilles problem.

Johnson suffered a serious knee and hamstring injury in round five against Carlton. He needed surgery and underwent a lengthy rehab process.

Two weeks ago coach Ross Lyon was adamant Johnson would play again this year. But Lyon confirmed on Friday he had suffered a minor Achilles problem recently and would not recover in time to play before the end of the season.

"He was just a bit sore in his Achilles," Lyon said.

"There's nothing wrong with the tendon. It's just a bit of a sheath issue. It means he's been interrupted enough now that he won't get to the line this year."

David Mundy is selected by the Fremantle playing group as captain of the club for 2016.

Following Matthew Pavlich's decision on Wednesday to step down after nine years in the role, every Docker selected five teammates on a 5-4-3-2-1 points basis.

Pavlich will remain in the leadership group, joining new member Michael Johnson, Lee Spurr, Aaron Sandilands and reigning Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe.

"It's a huge thrill for me. It's a fantastic honour to be Fremantle's next captain," Mundy said.

"In my time here I've had the privilege to play underneath Peter Bell and Matthew Pavlich, both great examples of fine captains and great people.

"I hope to emulate that to a certain extent and be a really shining light for our playing group and hopefully that can really drive some on-field success."

Michael Johnson could miss up to 10 weeks after scans revealed he had suffered a severe hamstring tear in the Dockers' loss to Richmond at Domain Stadium.

Johnson suffered the injury just 11 minutes into his 200th game. However, the 30-year-old will not require surgery for the high-grade tear.

Michael Johnson will become the ninth Docker to play 200 games for the club in round 10 when Fremantle hosts Richmond at Domain Stadium.

"Fremantle was the team I supported as a youngster and to be named along with those other players who have played over 200 games will be something special," Johnson said.

"It is going to be a big night, not only for myself but for my friends and family and to run out through the banner with my kids."

Michael Johnson turns his back on free agency to sign a two-year contract extension with Fremantle.

Johnson was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2015 season, but has now committed to Fremantle until the end of 2017.

"The club has been loyal to me," Johnson said.

"I've been here since 2003. I sort of want to give back to the club and the supporters. I'm a WA boy.

"I was a Fremantle supporter even before I got drafted. I was never thinking of going anywhere else."



Michael Johnson says he is on target to face Port Adelaide in round one as he continues his rehabilitation from back surgery.

"I've spoken to a lot of specialists, I knew that if I can get my back up and going again and nice and strong and tick all the boxes through my rehab I would be back running with the team again," Johnson said.

"I had no doubt in the process that we had at the club. I'm pretty happy the way it's going. The fitness staff and physios are happy as well.

"Hopefully I'll get a couple of (games) in the NAB Challenge and then be ready for round one."

Fremantle has suffered a blow to its premiership ambitions with defender Michael Johnson ruled out of the Dockers' finals campaign due to a back injury.

Johnson consulted a specialist on Monday and has been advised to undergo exploratory surgery.

"Michael played out Saturday's game under some discomfort," Fremantle's general manager of football operations Chris Bond said.

"We were hopeful that it could be treated and he would be able to play during our finals' campaign but the medical advice we now have is that there are no other treatment options available and an operation was considered the only appropriate course of action."

Luke McPharlin and Michael Johnson are expected to be out for a month or more each after sustaining injuries against the Crows.

Johnson was subbed out of the game at half-time with a suspected medial ligament strain and Fremantle has revealed on Tuesday that he will miss four to six weeks after coach Ross Lyon initially suspected it may only be two to four.

McPharlin also injured his knee during the first half of the win over the Crows, but following scans on Monday the veteran has been ruled out for three to four weeks.

Michael Johnson could miss up to a month of football after straining the medial ligament in his right knee during Fremantle's 40-point win over Adelaide at Patersons Stadium.

Johnson limped off before half-time after twisting awkwardly in a tackle. He was subbed during the break and returned to the bench on crutches.

Freo coach Ross Lyon confirmed the injury after the match and expects to be without his veteran defender for at least a fortnight.

"He's got a slight medial, maybe a grade one, maybe a grade two," Lyon said.

"That's anywhere from two to four weeks. So he won't play in the near term."

Fremantle shows faith in Michael Johnson, re-signing the defender on a two-year deal, tying him to the Dockers until the end of 2015.

Michael Johnson says he is about to move back into defence and pay back the on-field debt he owes Fremantle after one of his worst seasons in 2011.

"The last couple of seasons I've let myself down and my family and the club, but I know that with this playing group I'm going to be striving to be the best player I can be," Johnson said.

"With new coaches and a new structure, all I want to do is forget about the past and show the supporters and my family and friends and teammates that I'm still a good AFL player and I've got plenty of years to come."

Fremantle's Michael Johnson admits he is still working hard to atone for his indiscretion earlier this year.

"I've done a lot around the club since the incident, (but) I've still got to earn my trust," Johnson said.

"That'll come, but I've got to work hard at it over the next couple of seasons. I'm working hard with the club and off field with the family. It's easily my toughest season I've had down at the club with the incident off field."

Michael Johnson has been welcomed back at Fremantle by captain Matthew Pavlich after Johnson was suspended due to drug charges.

"It's nice to have him back and we're here to support him," Pavlich said about his teammate.

"He understands he's got a fair bit of work to do both on the track, but certainly off it, to make sure he gains the trust and respect back from the board and [playing] group."

Suspended Fremantle utility Michael Johnson will return to train with the club on Monday.

"Once [the issue] is closed it'll be closed and we'll all be moving on. Michael needs to concentrate on coming back and making sure he contributes to a team that has missed him over the last two weeks," Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said.

Police reveal that disgraced Fremantle Docker Michael Johnson has previously been found in possession of ecstasy despite claims by the club that his involvement with cocaine was an isolated incident.

Fremantle's Michael Johnson has appeared in court and been fined $500 for possession of 0.15 grams of cocaine.

Fremantle has detailed its sanctions on defender Michael Johnson after he was charged with possession of cocaine.

Johnson has been suspended from training with Fremantle until the end of May, stood down from the club's leadership group and has been ordered to undergo drug counselling.

"We are extremely disappointed that, while under the influence of alcohol, he engaged in public conduct that has resulted in a drug-related police charge," Fremantle chief executive officer Steve Rosich said.

Michael Johnson says he hopes to come away from his club-imposed six-week ban due to drug charges a better player, person and father.

"I am very disappointed in my actions on the weekend and I am working through it with my legal team and the club," Johnson said.

"It has been a tough couple of days for me and my family. I would like to thank everyone out there who have sent their love and support. I really appreciate it.

"I know it is going to be a tough couple of weeks for me but hopefully I can come back to the footy club, become a better person, a better player and a better father to my children."

Michael Johnson has been stood down indefinitely by Fremantle as it continues to investigate alleged drug offences in Perth.

"We are very disappointed that Michael placed himself in a situation that allowed these circumstances to arise," Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich said.

"Due to the serious nature of the matter and an impending police charge, the club believes that standing Michael down was the appropriate course of action to take at this stage.

"The action taken reflects the serious nature of the situation at hand. It will also allow Michael to focus on all related legal issues and make that his priority."

Fremantle player Michael Johnson is being investigated by WA police on a drug-related offence.

"We are treating it very seriously," Fremantle chief executive Steve Rosich said in a statement.

"We are currently gathering all relevant information and will make further comment when we are in a position to do so. There will be no comment from the club until that time."

Fremantle defender Michael Johnson says his hard work off the field this year has brought leadership rewards.

"Being out for most of the season with the ankle injury, I wanted to prove something this year," Johnson said.

"I really worked hard in rehab, so I guess my teammates saw me as a leader there, working hard in the gym and trying to get my ankle right."

David Mundy, Michael Johnson and Paul Duffield have joined Fremantle's group of leaders.

"The three players joining the leadership group are mid-tier players who are evolving and will need to put their own stamp on the leadership group," Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said.

"With an increase in responsibility, you like to see enhanced performance from your leaders and the ability to handle pressure when a game is in the balance."

Fremantle defender Michael Johnson has been ruled out for the next four-to-six weeks after undergoing surgery on his ankle.

Johnson suffered ligament damage in the Dockers' round 10 loss to Richmond but bravely played out the match as several of his teammates succumbed to injury.

The 24-year-old was forced to go under the knife last week after struggling to shake off the complaint.

And in a further blow to the Dockers, youngster Brock O'Brien - who has played just three games since making his debut in 2007 - will miss the rest of the season with a quad injury.

Fremantle defender Michael Johnson says his team let down club stalwart Antoni Grover in his milestone match against St Kilda at Docklands on Saturday night.

"We were very disappointed in our effort today. We actually thought we played all right in the second quarter and we almost outscored them, but we were just very disappointed with the effort and we let down our fellow teammate Antoni Grover on his 150th game," he said.