VERSATILE GWV Rebel Maggie Johnstone showed her wares across all three lines last season, with the top-age talent eyeing off a more permanent midfield spot with a forward rotation in 2025. A member of the Victoria Country state hub, Johnstone is a great aerial player with a powerful kick and looms as a unique prospect for the 2025 AFLW Draft.
We spoke to the South Warrnambool product at the recent Coates Talent League Girls Preseason Testing day about her football journey, game and goals for the year ahead.
LAST SEASON STATISTICS
| Team | Games | Disposals | Marks | Cont. Marks | Clearances | Inside 50s | Goals |
| GWV Rebels | 11 | 12.5 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 6 |
Q: Maggie, tell us a bit about your footy journey?
MJ: “I started playing when I was nine or 10 I believe. I started playing Under 12s boys footy up in Dennington back home. I played with them until I no longer could. I think it was Covid year, so I moved up to Under 18s girls when I was 14 or 15 at South Warrnambool, Been playing for them, went through V/Line then Under 16s at Rebels and then was lucky enough to come up to the 18th team in my Under 16s year. Been at Rebels since.”
Q: How has preseason been? No injuries?
MJ: “All clear. Had a good preseason I think, set myself up well. It’s been fun with the girls.”
Q: In terms of the position you’re looking to play this year, where do you reckon you’ll play?
MJ: “I think I’ll mainly be in the midfield hopefully with a forward rotation, but I’m happy to play anywhere Sal chucks me.”
Q: Tell us about some of the strengths?
MJ: “Definitely my aerial. I’m a pretty good marking target to hit whether its up forward or down the ground, and kicking.”
Q: What are you looking to improve on?
MJ: “I’d say get awareness around the ground, like positioning in the midfield I’ll definitely work on this year seeing as I haven’t had that much experience in the midfield, but positioning around the ground would be an improvement.”
Which AFL/W club do you support?
MJ: “Carlton and Essendon.
Q: What’s the reason behind them?
MJ: “My family supports Carlton, but I loved Scotty (Paige Scott) so I barrack for Essendon but might have to switch over to Richmond.”
Q: What goals have you set yourself this year?
MJ: “I’d love to make AFLW, that’s been a dream of mine for a long time. Go as far as I can, have fun with my footy, take it a day at a time.”
Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?
MJ: “I’d say my mum and my dad equally, always supporting me through my footy journey.”
