STRENGTHS:

+ Footy IQ
+ Kicking
+ Speed
+ Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Contested game
- Defensive acts

Few players are capable of using the ball better than Northern Knights co-captain Zak Johnson. The 185cm utility possesses wicked foot skills which are complimented by his vision and sound decision making. With such high footy IQ, Johnson hits his targets more often than not and is able to set up the play - whether out of the centre or running off half-back.

While a shoulder injury cut his season short and prevented him from testing at the state draft combine, Johnson still managed to fill his trophy cabinet. He took home the Knights' best and fairest award and was named best afield as Parade College won its second consecutive Herald Sun Shield. He's highly credentialed, having earned a CTL berth in 2022, and his Vic Metro debut as a bottom-ager last year.

Johnson is the type of player you want possessing the ball in transition. He is capable of using his speed to break the lines and can further carve up the opposition with his ball use. That same speed is useful when evading tacklers around the contest, where Johnson is quite composed, or as he wheels around to get a shot on goal. As a mid-forward, he is certainly capable of hitting the scoreboard.

Where Johnson can look to improve is in his running patterns and defensive work. While he provides great attacking drive off half-back, he won't go the other way as easily - albeit if that's not his role. He could improve his contested work too, as he relies on being quite evasive but is perhaps best suited as a second possession winner who can be released on the outside.

DRAFT RANGE: 40-60