Johnson, now 37, played a club-record 364 games for the Bulldogs from 1994-2010, winning the Charles Sutton Medal as the Bulldogs' best and fairest on three occasions, and was the club's leading goalkicker in five seasons.
With his infectious smile and enthusiasm, Brad Johnson was a popular player and captain at Whitten Oval, becoming the club games record holder in a brilliant career.
PHOTO GALLERY: Brad Johnson at the 2014 AFL Hall of Fame ceremony
He progressed from a wingman/midfielder to forward-line match winner. ??
His overhead marking and speed off the mark proved a handful for the very best defenders, while his goalkicking exploits saw him kick the second most career goals of any Bulldog.
He progressed from a wingman/midfielder to forward-line match winner. ??
His overhead marking and speed off the mark proved a handful for the very best defenders, while his goalkicking exploits saw him kick the second most career goals of any Bulldog.
Former teammate and now Bulldogs Chief Executive Simon Garlick said Johnson was a worthy recipient of the honour.
“Brad Johnson has left a lasting legacy at the Bulldogs with his achievements on the field but equally his character and leadership off it,” Garlick said.
“For those who can count themselves lucky enough to have played, worked, been associated with or even simply followed Brad’s career, clearly know that he was very much the complete package as a player, but more importantly is an incredible person driven by a set of values that continue to drive the Bulldogs today.
“A true son of the west, Brad typified the Bulldogs spirit with his drive and loyalty and an induction into the AFL Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute.”
Drafted from the Western Jets, Johnson was a six-time All-Australian (once as captain); triple best and fairest winner; Victorian representative in 1997, 1998 and 1999; and played in more finals than any other Bulldog player. ??When only halfway through his career, he was chosen on the interchange bench in the Bulldogs’ Team of the Century. Stylish and clever, ‘Johnno’ had it all – class, consistency, fierce determination, resilience, versatility and courage in abundance.
Brad Johnson
Games: 364 (1994–2010)
Goals: 558?
Captain: 2006–10
Best and fairest: 1999, 2002, 2006?
Runner-up best and fairest: 2003, 2007?
Leading goalkicker: 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008?
All-Australian selection: 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007?
State selection: 3 games for Victoria?
Footscray-Western Bulldogs Team of the Century (interchange)
Footscray-Western Bulldogs Hall of Fame inductee (2014)
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee
