By Tara Murray
Former Northern Knight Zac Johnson will be the seventh Essendon player to make his AFL debut this year after getting a call up for the Bombers’ Thursday night match with Brisbane.
Taken with pick 70 in the 2024 national draft, the youngest player in the talent pool has come on in leaps and bounds since arriving at the NEC Hangar, slotting into the Bombers’ system with ease.
Utilised predominantly off half back in the Victorian Football League so far, the former Parade College Captain has produced stellar VFL form over the first half of this season, averaging nearly 26 touches per game and establishing himself as an elite ball user.
Johnson’s poise under pressure has been clear to see in his first exposure to footy against senior players, often looked to by teammates as a distributor on the last line of defence.
It’s been a rapid rise up the ranks for the teenager, who couldn’t be more excited to take his talents to the big stage.
“I’m over the moon. I couldn’t believe it when I found out and I just can’t wait to get up to ‘Brissy’,” Johnson said.
“It’s really exciting, most of the boys that have debuted have all played VFL footy together, so to already see them go well on the big stage and be out there with a few of them is really cool.
“I’m just so grateful to the club for taking a chance on me, to allow me to be here and show my strengths as a footballer and grow as a person as well, making new relationships with new people.
“I’ve loved my time at the Bombers and can’t wait to get out there this week.”
Johnson started his football at Epping where his dad played and was senior coach. He then moved to St Mary’s.
