Games: 24
Goals: 14
Kicks: 324
Marks: 95
Handballs: 195

THE FAN’S RATING: 8.6 / 10

Some of what the fans had to say:

“Sensational year … again. Always reliable and took on a real leaders role when Hirdy & Lloydy & Misiti were out. Tough and a hard worker and good luck to him for 2003. Deserved All Australian selection.” Jodi Wheaten

“11/10. A great year for Jason. If every player put in like he does no other side would get close. But he can’t keep doing it every week “Dean Miller

“A magnificent season. He had to carry the midfield / on-ball load. Never stops trying. I hope other players can learn from his example.” Allan McLeod

“JJ is a great player. He is all over the ground all the time. He was arguably the best Essendon player this season. He had a great start to the season, but slowly faded as the year went on (sort of like last year). If he is totally consistent next year, he will be a big Brownlow chance.” Tom Ickeringill

“A bit of a quiet end to year compared with way he started - probably got tired !!! He carried our midfield all year with Misiti missing and others not performing.” Jeffrey Wensor

“He was a very good player for us this year. Unlucky to win the Best and Fairest this year but good none the less.” Tim Bristow

“A fantastically hard player, demonstrated again in season 2002. Never afraid to get amongst it and is courageous, determined and passionate until the very end.” Kate O’Connor

“Excellent player! Showed off his smooth skills throughout the season. Jason is a great leader of the Essendon Football Club!” Sarah Rodgers.

THE WASH UP:

Essendon supporters said Jason Johnson was just sensational in 2002 – again carrying much of the workload in the midfield when players were either out injured or out of form. Many felt he was unlucky to miss All Australian selection and he is seen as a key to the Bombers’ chances in 2003.

MARK HARVEY SAYS:

“I think the fan’s rating is about right. He was excellent for us again this season and his attack on the football and his hardness make him a very important player. He was heavily tagged in the second half of the season but is learning and coping better with that. His work ethic was excellent and our young players should watch the way he goes about his football very closely.