Lewis Johnston Biography

After being delisted by the Crows, Lewis Johnston says he is still capable of playing at AFL level.

At Adelaide, Johnston had often faced criticism about a perceived lethargy in his game.

"I'm a relaxed person but the bottom line is that I want to win," Johnston said.

"Whether that's in the AFL next year or not, I want to win games of football.

"I haven't been able to play as well as I'd have liked at the top level yet, not for long patches anyway.

"I know it's there and I do probably feel like I have a fair bit to prove – to myself and to a few others as well."

A switch from attack to defence for Lewis Johnston could help earn him a fresh contract at Adelaide.

The Crows are light on for key defenders, with the imminent retirement of Ben Rutten and Andy Otten's knee injury.

Surgery to remain a damaged tendon in his hand sidelined Johnston for 13 weeks this year, but he transitioned into defence upon his return to the SANFL.

"This time of year we have to look at guys playing different roles," Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson said.

"He's one option that can definitely play as a third tall defender for us. We do need some other options and he can play forward and back."

After impressing in several games in 2013, Lewis Johnston re-signs with the Crows for another year.

"Lewis showed some very promising signs when he got his opportunity late in the season," Crows list manager David Noble said.

"He's a dangerous forward who capitalises in front of goal, and we think has the potential to become a key component of our developing forward line."

Lewis Johnston admits to fearing for his career after sustaining a knee injury that kept him out of action for two months.

"It was during that time that it clicked that if I didn't pull my finger out and play good footy towards the end of the year, next year I'd probably be flipping patties at the local service station in Port Pirie," Johnston said.

"I just realised there was only eight weeks to go in the season and thought, 'I'm running out of time here'.

"I always try and do extra training, but I probably sharpened up with my recovery.

"I had a couple of quiet games, but I was pretty happy with my good performances."

Lewis Johnston kicks a career-high six goals against Melbourne leading Crows coach Brenton Sanderson to declare that the out-of-contract key forward is a wanted player at the club next year.

"He will certainly play for us next year. He will be offered a contract without question," Sanderson said.

Lewis Johnston stars four goals in his first game for 2013 but misses a crucial set shot from inside 50 against Port Adelaide, despite kicking being one of his strengths.

"I would kick that nine out of 10 times and this time was that one that didn't come off," Johnston said.

"I could have passed it to 'Danger', but all week I've been told to back myself inside 50 and my kicking's my best attribute.

"It happened pretty quickly and I went for it, unfortunately for us it just didn't go through."

With injuries to Adelaide's key position players, Lewis Johnston is primed to return to the Crows' senior side after sparkling form in the SANFL, including a recent seven-goal haul for North Adelaide against South Adelaide.

"He can't do much more at the moment, that is for sure. He is playing some outstanding footy in the SANFL," Crows captain Nathan van Berlo said.

"He is certainly putting his hand up for selection."

Lewis Johnston will miss eight weeks after injuring his left knee in the SANFL. Scans revealed a small fracture adjacent to his knee joint.

"It's really disappointing for Lewis because he's had a good start to the year in the SANFL and was pressing for senior selection," Crows football manager Phil Harper said.

"We'll support Lewis in his rehabilitation and look forward to him getting back and playing good footy again later in the season."

Young Crow defender Daniel Talia says there is tough competition for spots in the Adelaide backline.

"There's blokes like Lewis Johnston, Luke Thompson, Andy Otten and myself all vying for those key defensive roles," Talia said.

"I'm out there to get one of those spots, but in saying that there's a lot of competition for that key back spot."

Adelaide and the Sydney Swans have completed a trade that will see Tony Armstrong and Lewis Johnston swap clubs.

"With the addition of Tom Mitchell under the father-son rule this week, we think we've got a number of strong inside midfielders at the club. Tony will bring something else we need, in that he has the ability to run and break the lines and to use the ball well,'' Sydney coach John Longmire said.

Lewis Johnston makes his AFL debut for Sydney at Docklands Stadium with 6 disposals (4 kicks and 2 handballs), 3 marks, a tackle and a goal in a 1-point win over North Melbourne.

Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh says teammate Lewis Johnston has finally realized what's required to play AFL football.

"When you get drafted in the first round, you think you're going to come in and play straight away, but you have to learn what it takes to play AFL footy," McVeigh said.

"He really wanted to play senior footy, but I don't think he knew what was required. It's finally clicked for him this year. He's listened to what the coaches and players want."

Lewis Johnston is in line to make his AFL debut for the Sydney Swans when they clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

"We put him down back as part of his education process and we're so pleased with the way he's gone about it, he's been fantastic," Sydney coach John Longmire said.

"He's really learned another part of his game that he probably didn't know much about before. We do have the flexibility of bringing him forward and we're confident he can play as a defender as well as a forward now."

The Sydney Swans say their first round draft pick Lewis Johnston is on the verge of senior selection.

"He's probably got senior selection within his sights now," Sydney Swans player development manager Stuart Maxfield said.

"What he needs to do is probably string three or four solid games together at reserves level. It's really about consistency for Lewis, and then hopefully forcing his way into the senior side."

Sydney Swans top draft pick Lewis Johnston suffers a serious foot injury at training.

The Swans are hopeful that, one day, their latest recruit, Lewis Johnston, will fill the boots of Barry Hall.