Introduction Travis Johnstone is an AFL veteran who was recruited to the Lions in 2008 after spending ten years with Melbourne. He is a high possession-winning midfielder who is renowned for his exquisite kicking skills and creativity. Johnstone has also proven effective as a small forward option. Background • Johnstone was recruited by Melbourne with the first pick overall in the 1997 National Draft after being widely regarded as one of the most talented junior players in the country. • During his time with the Demons, Johnstone earned an AFL Rising Star nomination, played in the 2000 Grand Final, finished equal fourth in the 2002 Brownlow Medal and won the club’s Best & Fairest award in 2005. • He established himself as one of the competition’s elite midfielders who seemed to effortlessly find the ball and deliver it lace out to his forwards. • He was traded by Melbourne to the Lions at the end of the 2007 season in exchange for Pick No.14 in the 2007 National Draft. 2008 • Johnstone showed no signs of homesickness during his first season with the Lions, playing 18 senior matches and averaging 19.3 disposals – his fourth best return from 11 AFL seasons. • While he played plenty of match time in the centre, he also moved forward with great success at times. He finished with 17 goals – the fifth most at the Club. • He was rewarded for a consistent season with a top-ten finish in the Club Champion award.2009 • Johnstone started 2009 like a house on fire with a best-on-ground performance in the Lions' Round 1 win against the Eagles. He collected 37 disposals - a personal best while at the Lions - and kicked two goals. • His form fluctuated for much of the first half of the season with outstanding performances against both Essendon and Adelaide at the Gabba. • He was omitted from the senior side prior to Round 10 and spent eight of the next 10 weeks playing with Lions Reserves side working on the defensive aspects of his game. • Johnstone returned to the senior team in Round 20 and immediately proved to the coaching staff that he had learnt from his relegation. His chasing and tackling efforts were later praised by Senior Coach Michael Voss. • He played the final five matches for the Lions - including two Finals - taking his season tally to 16 and six goals. He remained a regular ball-winner throughout the season, averaging 19.9 touches per game.
Travis Johnstone played one of his finest ever matches with the Lions last Saturday night in the team’s shattering one-point loss to North Melbourne.Tuesday, June 08, 2010 - 7:01PM
Michael Voss has questioned the Lions’ endeavour on the weekend, believing his players don’t treat each team on it’s meritsMonday, June 07, 2010 - 3:36PM
Travis Johnstone's 200th match did not bring the desired result, but he found reasons to be positive in the Lions' loss to the SwansSunday, May 02, 2010 - 1:48PM
Travis Johnstone says the Lions need to stick to their plans if they are to bounce back from the loss ot MelbourneSunday, April 25, 2010 - 11:50AM
Coach Michael Voss says Travis Johnstone will learn more about why he was omitted over the coming daysFriday, May 29, 2009 - 5:48PM
Mac, Bunno and a few of the boys are off to the WWE Wrestling...Friday, July 11, 2008 - 11:00AM
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