Johnson to continue record-breaking tradition

THE WESTERN Bulldogs will re-enact a memorable moment in the club's history this Saturday when commemorating captain Brad Johnson's record-breaking game.

Johnson, 33, will become the Bulldogs' most capped player when he surpasses the 341-game record held by former player Chris Grant.

Club president David Smorgon said the Dogs – and past players Doug Hawkins and Chris Grant - will honour Johnson's achievement before the clash with Fremantle at Docklands by replaying a chain of significant handballs between the club's past record holders.

The tradition started in 1994 at Whitten Oval when Ted Whitten ran out on the oval and handballed to Doug Hawkins after he broke the then club record of 321 games.

When Grant broke Hawkins' record in 2006 at Telstra Dome, Ted Whitten Jnr (representing his late father), handballed to Hawkins, who handballed to Grant.

"I'm very pleased to say that on Saturday afternoon when we take on the Fremantle Dockers, we're going to re-enact that same thing," Smorgon said.

Johnson will be on the end of the handpass starting from Hawkins and going to Grant. Whitten Jnr will not be present, owing to a previous commitment.

Smorgon described Johnson as an "outstanding citizen" and said he had the respect of everyone involved in football.

Johnson has captained the club since 2006 and in his 341 games so far has won club best and fairest awards three time (1999, 2002 and 2006), and finished runner-up twice (2003 and 2007). He was included in the Bulldogs team of the Century, and is third on the club's goalkicking list behind Simon Beasley and grant.

Johnson has also been an All-Australian six times and was named All-Australian captain in 2006.

"Since he put his foot in the door in 1994, he has been an exemplary person, player and ambassador on and off the field for his club," Smorgon said.

"He is known as the smiling assassin, but I think that belies a fierce determination to succeed. I know the guys that play alongside him would attest to that fact."

Rodney Eade said Johnson had been a nightmare to coach against when his former side, the Sydney Swans, played the Bulldogs. 

"I've been unfortunate I haven't coached Brad for more than five years," he said.

"As an opposition coach, to see this player rip us apart at certain times was a real pain in the backside."

Eade said Johnson had demonstrated the three main traits an individual must have to sustain a lengthy career – a well-maintained body, mental toughness, and unquestionable leadership.

He also said Johnson should be held in as high esteem as former Swans' champion Paul Kelly.

"He's got enormous respect within this club," he said.

"I reckon Kelly was a player that was universally respected from opposition supporters.

"I think Brad Johnson really fits into that mould. As an opposition player, I think he's universally respected across the competition."