Australian Football

As a youngster, Robert Johnson's favourite sport was tennis, but it was in football that he would make his name. Persuaded to try out with VFA club Northcote he impressed with his superb marking skills, and excellent kicking. After a brief time with the Brickfielders he progressed to league ranks with Melbourne in 1926 and enjoyed a highly memorable season, earning 'Big V' selection (although he ended up having to pull out of the side through injury), and kicking six goals from centre half forward in a best afield performance in the Grand Final win over Collingwood.

In addition to centre half forward, Johnson could hold down any key position, or take a turn in ruck. A sensational high flier, he was one of the most spectacular players of his era. He finally got to play for the VFL in 1928, and did so again three years later. He topped Melbourne's goal kicking list on two occasions, in 1928 with 55 goals, and then with 62 goals in 1933, his last season in the VFL. All told, he booted 302 goals in his 113 league games.

Bob Johnson's son, Bob junior, achieved, if anything, even greater notoriety as a footballer, playing in a total of seven premierships teams with three different clubs in two states.

Author - John Devaney