How young Dockers midfielder is coping with the trolls
Fremantle midfielder Matthew Johnson has opened up about the online trolling he has copped since last year, saying the support he is receiving from his teammates and coaches is helping him deal with the haters.
Johnson has filled a key midfield role this season, his ability to win the ball and bust through tackles proving crucial.
The 22-year-old is averaging career highs in disposals (19), clearances (2.8), inside 50s (3.9) and tackles (3.2) this year.
But Johnson's career return of 9.21 in front of goal, including 5.17 since the start of last season and a drop in disposal efficiency this year, have seen him become the target of online trolls.
"Last year especially (it was bad)," Johnson said.
"I don't think anyone likes getting shit thrown at them, but what can you do?
"I've learned now that you don't pay it much attention. I try not to read it, to be honest.
"I just turn my Instagram settings off, turn off the notifications for people who I don't know, so they can't get to me.
"It was pretty hard at stages last year seeing stuff like that, but I just really want to keep improving and put my best foot forward."
Johnson said the support he had received within the four walls at Fremantle had helped him deal with the haters.
"It's not nice to read that stuff," Johnson said.
"But at the end of the day, it comes from people that probably don't have a lot of idea about what's going on, and I've got a lot of support from the players inside the four walls and my coaching staff as well."
Johnson entered last week's game against Port Adelaide with 1.6 to his name for the season.
But the 48-gamer looked every bit a smooth mover when he nailed a 50m goal on the run during the second quarter.
Johnson set up another goal moments later, with his efforts sparking Fremantle to a 49-point win.
"I was conscious of the fact I've kicked a lot of points this year, but I've just been doing practice during the week and trying to get the reps in," Johnson said.
Fremantle (6-5) pulled a selection shock on Thursday when they named veteran Nat Fyfe for Saturday's clash with high-flying Gold Coast (8-2) at People First Stadium.
Fyfe, who is likely to be the sub, is yet to play at AFL level this year, and was widely expected to make his return from a hamstring injury via the WAFL.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is also backing in fit-again ruckman Sean Darcy to partner Luke Jackson in their battle with star Gold Coast big Jarrod Witts.
Defender Josh Draper has been recalled to replace Dockers skipper Alex Pearce, who is battling a stress response in his left shin.
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