STRENGTHS:

+ Versatility
+ Kicking
+ Aerial ability
+ Footy IQ
+ Athleticism
+ Consistency
+ Outside game

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Inside game
- Strength

A player with plenty of different layers, Johnson has a terrific balance of footballing and athletic traits. Starting with the latter, Johnson has tested exceptionally well across all physical testing disciplines from the vertical jump, to the 20m sprint, agility and 2km time-trial. It emphasises not only Johnson's ability to cover the ground, but to do so at a high top speed, with bursts and evasive techniques.

The athletic traits also assist with other parts of her game such as her aerial prowess and outside game as Johnson can fly high, safely pull in the mark, and work into space through a combination of speed and endurance, or get out of trouble with her evasion. Even just looking at those traits alone, Johnson would be among the most exciting players in the draft crop, but there is much more to her game.

On top of those elements, Johnson's footballing IQ and skills are also very good. Over short, medium or long distances, Johnson is capable of hitting targets with a reliable technique. The only slight query might be when she is under pressure, because being such a capable outside player, when forced into a rushed situation, she can naturally overcook the kick. Generally it will still go to a fairly advantageous position, but is the one way to quell her influence.

Perhaps more impressively is the fact Johnson has been able to apply all of these traits in such a consistent way across the whole 2025 season. Usually players might adapt or improve one or two extra elements from their bottom-age season to their top, but the Northern Knights tall really pieced it together in such a quick turnaround from last season to even the opening game of 2025.

While her overall profile is quite impressive, Johnson naturally does have some progressions to make. Most notably her strength at ground level and a greater inside presence, but that is a case where the latter is not as vital given she is such a natural outside player. In the air she is strong thanks to her ultra-safe hands, but building greater strength when going up to senior level will be important if coming up against experienced wingers or flankers who might opt to engage in wrestles and not allow her to use her natural athleticism in marking contests.

As a whole, Johnson came on like a house on fire in 2025 and went from being a potential mid-draft prospect to be a clear first round talent. She can play forward, wing or half-back, and showed she could hit the scoreboard even when not playing inside 50. A four-goal game late in the year rotating between wing and half-forward finished off the season in style for Johnson.