Northern Knights prospect Zak Johnson is a promising versatile teenager who played a role in Vic Metro's carnival-winning National Championships run this year.
The 185cm talent is capable of playing through the middle or across half-back, using his speed and evasiveness to his advantage while being able to break open games through his polished disposal use.
Johnson is an attacking-minded player too, whether that be across defence as a line-breaker or in midfield as a scoreboard impact player.
He averaged a team-high 25.8 disposals per game this year for the Knights, going under 23 touches in just two of his 12 appearances while also amassing means of 5.7 marks and 3.8 inside 50s per game - commonly utilised as an onballer in the Talent League.
Johnson's strong season for the Knights was rewarded with a spot in the Talent League Team of the Year on the interchange as well as best and fairest honours for his team.
He would represent Vic Metro on three occasions at the U18s carnival, where he was able to show the full extent of his services as a utility, playing as a defender in the side's unbeaten series.
A shoulder setback meant Johnson was unable to test at October's State Draft Combine in Melbourne, but scouts got a further glimpse of his efforts at the school level with Parade College.
A selection for Johnson is expected to come in the second half of the draft or as late as a rookie selection on Friday, while Collingwood, West Coast and Essendon potential landing spots for the teenager.
Position:ย Defender-Midfielder
Height:ย 185cm
State:ย Victoria
Club:ย St Mary's
Strengths
Disposal Efficiency
Versatility
Speed
Evasiveness
Draft Range
Pick 45 - Late/Rookie
Potential Landing Spots
Collingwood (Picks 52, 55, 60, 66 and 82)
West Coast (Picks 72, 77, 87 and 92)
Essendon (Picks 46, 53, 54 and 65)
AFL Comparison
Expert Comments
"Medium defender who can also apply his trade in the midfield. His ability to read the play and clean ball use are real strengths in his game." - Kevin Sheehan
