Bob Johnson
Melbourne · “Big Bob”
AFL career
140 games267 goals
- Debut
- R11 1954 v NTH3 July 1954
- Most recent
- PF 1961 v FSC16 Sept 1961
Stats
1961 | MEL | 19 | 1.9 |
1960 | MEL | 16 | 1.9 |
1959 | MEL | 19 | 2.0 |
1958 | MEL | 20 | 2.1 |
1957 | MEL | 18 | 1.6 |
1956 | MEL | 19 | 2.3 |
1955 | MEL | 18 | 1.5 |
1954 | MEL | 11 | 2.1 |
Bio
A pivotal figure during the Demons' golden era under Norm Smith, Bob Johnson carried on a proud family tradition at the club as the son of former player Bob Johnson Sr. A strongly built key forward who could also operate effectively in the ruck, Johnson used his physical presence and contested marking ability to become a focal point of the Melbourne attack. His reliability in front of goal was a hallmark of his game, averaging nearly two goals a match throughout his career and providing a consistent target during a period of ruthless dominance for the club.
Johnson's tenure at Melbourne coincided with the most successful stretch in the club's history, where he played a central role in five premiership victories between 1955 and 1960. Despite seemingly having many years of VFL football ahead of him, he made the surprise decision to leave the league at the end of the 1961 season. Seeking a new challenge and better financial opportunities, Johnson moved to the WAFL to captain-coach East Fremantle, where he continued his success by leading the Sharks to a premiership in his first year, further validating his reputation as a formidable leader and competitor.
Profile
- Full name
- Bob B. Johnson
- Born
- 03 June 1935
- Died
- 21 May 2001 (aged 65y 352d)
- Deathplace
- Queensland
- Height
- 198 cm
- Weight
- 96 kg
Teams
Honours
- Premiership(5×) 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960
- Hall of Fame2012
- Brownlow Medal
- Top 10
- 1959
- Melbourne B&F
- 3rd
- 1959
Family
- Father:Bob Johnson
Bio
1 revisionA pivotal figure during the Demons' golden era under Norm Smith, Bob Johnson carried on a proud family tradition at the club as the son of former player Bob Johnson Sr. A strongly built key forward who could also operate effectively in the ruck, Johnson used his physical presence and contested marking ability to become a focal point of the Melbourne attack. His reliability in front of goal was a hallmark of his game, averaging nearly two goals a match throughout his career and providing a consistent target during a period of ruthless dominance for the club.
Johnson's tenure at Melbourne coincided with the most successful stretch in the club's history, where he played a central role in five premiership victories between 1955 and 1960. Despite seemingly having many years of VFL football ahead of him, he made the surprise decision to leave the league at the end of the 1961 season. Seeking a new challenge and better financial opportunities, Johnson moved to the WAFL to captain-coach East Fremantle, where he continued his success by leading the Sharks to a premiership in his first year, further validating his reputation as a formidable leader and competitor.