Six years on from Subi WAFL Colts flag, Dockers duo prepare for AFL GF

Six years on from starring in an EGT WAFL Colts Grand Final upset together, former Subiaco teammates turned Dockers midfield duo Matthew Johnson and Neil Erasmus will be looking to do it all over again against Brisbane at the MCG on Saturday.

Johnson and Erasmus were at the forefront as the Lions caused a boilover against the highly-fancied Claremont at Fremantle Community Bank Oval back in September of 2020.

Smooth-moving midfielder Johnson, who tallied 21 disposals, six tackles, five inside 50s and five marks on the day to be one of the Lions’ best, was already well and truly on the radar of AFL recruiters.

But for Erasmus, playing in just his fourth Colts match, it was a breakout performance which really propelled his AFL hopes a year out from the AFL Draft.

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The Sorrento-Duncraig product booted a game-high four goals in an eye-catching display.

He was in the votes for the Mel Whinnen Medal as best-afield, given to Lachlan Vanirsen who starred with 32 disposals, 11 marks, nine inside 50s and a goal.

The Lions, coached by Chayce Creedy, ended up winning by a whopping 59 points against a Claremont side which had future AFL players Jacob van Rooyen, Jacob Blight, Joel Western and Kalin Lane.

From there, Erasmus transformed from a dangerous forward to a big-bodied midfielder and climbed the AFL Draft charts.

However, a quad injury prevented him from playing for the WA under-19s in a series of matches against South Australia.

“He kicked four goals as a pure forward (in the 2020 Colts decider) and then we got him down in our summer program,” AAMI WA Football State Talent Manager Adam Jones recalled.

“I remember his 2km time trial was unbelievable, he blew them away, and I thought maybe he could end up playing as a midfielder.

“He had a corked quad in a school game (for PSA side Hale School) and it ended up bleeding and calcifying which ruled him out for the year.

“He got back to do his own 2km time trial a couple of weeks after the AFL Draft Combine when his body was right to go and he ran low six minutes.

“It was an amazing run and he was running by himself which was truly impressive, and I remember him screaming when he crossed the line because he didn’t get the time he wanted which highlighted just how driven he was.”

Johnson featured in those games and was named best-on-ground in the 2021 AFL Grand Final curtain-raiser at Optus Stadium.

Matthew Johnson starred in the WA under-19s win over South Australia at Optus Stadium in 2021.

“He was in our State 16s and State 18s programs and I remember he always had the talent, but he definitely grew as a player as his confidence grew,” Jones said.

Fittingly, Erasmus and Johnson got drafted to Fremantle within 24 hours.

Erasmus was snapped up with pick 10, while Johnson was the heartbreak story of the opening night when he missed out before the Dockers traded up to grab him with the first pick of the second round and 21st overall.

Matt Johnson puts the Dockers jersey for the first time. Got a message of support from now teammate Caleb Serong after missing out in the opening round last night. Great to see Freo pick up 3 local talents, likely to be 4 with Eric Benning. pic.twitter.com/vUjBbO4P6j

— Jordan McArdle (@jordan_mc12) November 25, 2021

Erasmus got another opportunity on the big stage, two years ago for Peel Thunder where he won the Simpson Medal for the best player on the ground in his side’s win over East Perth at Optus Stadium.

He racked up 26 disposals, a game-high 11 tackles and six clearances to go with two goals in a standout performance.