After exciting fans with his potent form in 2006, the career of Courtney Johns took an awkward turn this season as injuries hampered his season, making it difficult for the tall forward to string games together.
Bomber fans are hoping that a solid pre-season spent in the gym will allow the Essendon bigman to get back into the seniors and inflict some damage on the competition.
Games – 6
Goals – 5
Kicks – 36
Marks – 24
Handballs – 12
Games – 10
Goals – 12
Kicks – 65
Marks – 44
Handballs – 15
Games – 3
Goals – 0
Kicks – 10
Marks – 7
Handballs – 2
What some of the Essendon fans had to say:
Courtney just needs a couple of big games to gain confidence as he has the potential to be the key forward in the future. (Kevin Peters)
Johns is a huge unit who is still learning the game and learning to play defence will help his understanding of the game. He has been given plenty of time so he will need to start having an impact in 2008. (Rod Ansell)
For a man of his impressive bulk and potential ability, he needs to make more of a statement out on the field, throw his weight around and kick some goals. (Paul Nelson)
Courtney needs to work on fitness and second efforts. He has the body to really take the game on and become a great player but just needs to find his niche in the side which will come from sustained performance and work ethic. (Tristan Wass)
There have been high expectations on Courtney, which he has not yet been able to live up to. Hopefully 2008 will be the year that Courtney repays Essendon for all the faith they have shown with him. (Mark Grant)
Courtney needs more games and game time in order to see if he has got what it takes or not. A potential forward-line of Johns, Lloyd and Lucas, with Davey and Jetta crumbing, looks unstoppable. (Brad Jones)
