Johnson said the feel amongst the group is very positive and the win in Perth has rid the team of the 'roadtrip hoodoo' that seemed to be hanging over their heads. Before its win on Friday night, Essendon had lost 10 of its past 11 interstate matches. ""There is a lot of self belief amongst the guys - whatever the coaches put to us we have got the team that will go out there and play the way they want us to. We want to make amends for last season.""
In the last few matches against Port Adelaide, Johnson's usual opponent has been Josh Carr. The two players are very similar in the way they go about their football and Johnson said it is always a challenge playing on the Port mid-fielder. ""I probably might get Josh Carr again this week - that is the way it has panned out the last few times we have played them. On the last few occasions we have been fairly even, so if it happens this week it will be a good match-up.""
Mark Mercuri was the only omission from the team that played Collingwood in Round 22 and James Hird made a public plea to Mercuri after the Fremantle game urging him to continue to push for selection. Johnson said that Hird’s ability to get the best out of his teammates is one of his best assets as a leader. “He wants everyone up and going, and playing well. I think he was just trying to inspire Mercs and get him up and realise that this is maybe their last chance of having a crack at a grand final. Mercs is an exceptional talent and we would love to see him up and firing,"" Johnson said.
