Games: 24
Goals: 5
Kicks: 247
Marks: 109
Handballs: 142

THE FAN’S RATING: 8.6 / 10

Some of what the fans had to say:

“Absolutely sensational. Beat every opponent hands down. Stepped up superbly with the absence of Solomon. His run out of the backline is second to none in the AFL. Should have been All Australian back pocket but was stiffed by the Brisbane loving selectors. Midfield next year a must.” Marcus Camili.

“Johnno has been an absolute gun this season - I've always thought he had potential and this year he definitely lived up to it. It shows that perseverance pays off.” Sarah Tyshing.

“Great year. The pick of the back line. Hugely important to the defence in the absence of Solomon and with the games missed by Fletcher.” Susan Newton.

“Very good season in the backline and worthy B&F winner. Its time now, in light of recent trades, to get him into the centre where his hardness will be of benefit.” Paul Patrick.

“Clearly the best Bomber of 2002. Beat all comers and to average nearly 17 stats a game out of a back pocket was outstanding. Thoroughly deserved the b&f and not being in the All Australian side was a joke. Would love to see him as a regular midfielder next year.” Steve Barker.

“Continues to influence each game with the classic style of play that won him the 2002 Crichton Medal. Would love to see him in the midfield or as a half back, where he could be released as a set-up player.” Johnny Burns

“A fantastic season and has tried valiantly to fill the 'Hardwick void'. Very good footy brain and good disposal now puts him amongst the best half dozen at Bomberland.” Cameron Jones.

“How he didn't make the All-Australian side is beyond me. Johnno was clearly the best small defender in the competition this year and this was by far, the best of his four seasons.” Jeremy Friedman.

THE WASH UP:

Essendon fans said this was clearly Mark Johnson’s best since joining the Bombers and that he thoroughly deserved his Crichton Medal. Many were staggered that he did not make the All Australian side. There was also a push from Bomber fans for Johnson to play in the midfield next season.

ROBERT SHAW SAYS:

I reckon you get what you deserve in this game and Mark Johnson deserves everything that has come his way. He recognised that he had a disappointing 2001 and decided that he was going to do something about it – he wasn’t prepared to let one season roll into the next. The time might be right for him to play more in the midfield – particularly given the players we have traded.