It was 1997 when clubs were first given the chance to elevate rookies onto the senior list. The rookie draft was also introduced that season. And those who were advocating the system would undoubtedly name Mark Johnson as their pin-up boy. As an advertisement for the rookie system, Johnson is the man. Tonight he plays his 100th game for Essendon. Last year he became the first former rookie listed player in the competition to win a club best and fairest award.

While Scott Lucas plays his 150th game for the Bombers, it is also a very special night for Johnson. He has earned his 100 games the hard way and it will give him a sense of great satisfaction when he runs out on The Dome to take on St Kilda. “He probably understands the sacrifices you need to make to be a top line footballer better than most,” assistant coach Mark Harvey said. “Tonight is a real tribute to his persistence.”

“He really has defied the odds. No other club in the land wanted him and he has more than proved them wrong – he is a best and fairest winner, a Premiership defender and a major player in the competition,” Harvey said.

The good news for Essendon supporters is that Harvey believes we are still to see the best of Johnson. “He has built himself up and really come on in leaps and bounds as a midfielder. I’ve got no doubt we are yet to see him at his very best of him,” Harvey said.

Having said that, Johnson is every chance of repeating his best and fairest win of last season in 2003. He has not missed a game this season, has done well in defence, kicked five goals up forward and been good in the middle. He is averaging just under 20 possessions per match so he is finding plenty of the football.

Tonight's match will be televised live on Channel 9 from 7.30pm.