Brisbane Lions father-son Lachlan Johnson to undergo knee reconstruction

A tug of war had emerged between Brisbane and Essendon for talented teen Lachlan Johnson, but the exciting flanker will miss the rest of the year with a rupture anterior cruciate ligament.

Lachlan Johnson in a game for Oakleigh Chargers earlier this year. Picture: Scott Barbour/AFL Photos

Brisbane Lions father-son Lachlan Johnson will miss the rest of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament for Scotch College on the weekend.

Johnson, the son of three-time premiership player Chris, will undergo a knee reconstruction on Thursday.

He is also eligible to be selected by Essendon as part of the Bombers’ Next Generation Academy.

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Johnson was signed up by Essendon when he played for Calder Cannons as an underage player, before the family moved to Kew.

Oakleigh talent manager Jy Bond said the injury would not hurt Johnson’s draft chances.

“We were really looking forward to him putting in a big finals campaign because he’d been a bit interrupted with his school footy and he went on a holiday during the year, but he started off the year very strongly,” Bond said.

“I reckon Brisbane and Essendon … I think they’ll both be interested in him still, it will just mean he has to spend next year recovering.

“I still think he is definitely worthy of a shot somewhere.

“I think being father-son and NGA eligible gives kids an extra opportunity and being Chris’ son, he’s definitely got potential.”

The talented flanker is playing in the NAB League with Oakleigh Chargers this year to save a lengthy commute to the northern suburbs.

Chris Johnson and son Lachlan with the premiership cup after the 2001 grand final.

Johnson had played five games with Oakleigh in 2019 and produced a season-best game in Round 2 against Calder when he collected 27 disposals, laid 10 tackles and kicked 1.1 in a 163-ranking point performance.

A tug of war had developed between Brisbane and Essendon for the talented teen’s services, with Chris letting his son decide his playing future.

Chris played 264 games for Fitzroy and Brisbane and featured in the 2001, 2002 and 2003 premierships.

But Essendon could swoop on Lachlan, despite him living outside the Bombers’ next generation academy zone in his draft-eligible year.

The clubs would have to bid for Lachlan if they want to select him in the draft.

Both have shown interest in him and he has spent time at each club.

Melbourne defender Jake Lever and St Kilda forward Max King are two recent examples of players selected by clubs after missing all or some of their draft year.

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