ROBINVALE Euston’s Isaiah Johnson says an early-season tip off that the Johnson family would be honoured as part of this year’s Indigenous Round gave him an extra push to improve his fitness and play senior football again.
The 27-year-old played his second consecutive senior game for the Eagles since returning to senior football and starred with six goals in their 28-point win over Imperials in the 2022 SFNL Indigenous Round.
Isaiah said he wanted to put on a show for his family who were in attendance as the club honoured the Johnson family name.
The speedy forward, who first played for Robinvale Euston as a 14-year-old in 2009, said he did not expect to play football this year as he cared for his two newborn children.
But he said he couldn’t stay away, returning to Robinvale Euston’s reserves side at the start of the season.
It was in round two that his cousin Leon Johnson gave him some news that a special milestone might be coming up.
“He said, ‘Don’t tell anyone but we could be dedicating this year’s (Indigenous Round match) to the Johnson side of the family,” Isaiah said.
“He really encouraged me to get fit and … break into (the senior) side before the round came up.”
Isaiah said that early in the season he had travelled to Adelaide for medical visits for his kids and so visited a gym to run on the treadmill. But he also stayed back to run after training on Thursday nights.
He said the early success of Robinvale Euston’s reserves side, who went on a seven-game winning streak, also drove him to keep going. The final detail was some encouragement from reserves coach Maeli Felise, who told Isaiah to get fit enough to get midfield time to catch senior coach Andrew Richardson’s eye.
“Being pushed in the ressies … just uplifted me and gave me momentum to get fit enough and start performing again,” Isaiah said.
There was a smoking ceremony at John James oval before Saturday’s match, and Isaiah said he felt proud to mark the special event with family in the stands and by his side.
“I actually did the coin toss with my nan,” Isaiah said. “I saw my cousins and great aunties. There were a few faces that travelled as well. It was really special to just have all the family in the crowd.
“Our club found a couple of old black-and-white netball photos of my Nana and her sister from way back.
“A few of the family members were in a little bit of disbelief and shock. It was a bit surreal that we were having this thing dedicated to our family.”
While the Johnson name was the main event, Isaiah starred on the field as he used his speed to create opportunities in the forward half in a best on ground performance.
Isaiah said he was spurred on to perform after his cousin Leon was ruled out of the game due to injury and for those watching around the ground.
“I wasn’t really playing for myself,” he said. “I was just out there being as present as I can and just trying to represent our family.”
Isaiah said he hoped to keep playing a role in Robinvale Euston’s push for a final’s spot by sharing a bit of flare and positivity on field.
“I just try to do things you never expect on the football field and give people good memories and just encouraging other people on the field.
“One of the best things I like doing is pumping the team up, even if we’re in the slumps … or the boys are nervous.
“Football has really helped give me the opportunity to just be really positive.”
As the Holcroft Lawyers Footballer of the Week, Isaiah receives $125 from Holcroft Lawyers, 143 Langtree Avenue, Mildura, and is in the running to be the Holcroft Lawyers Footballer Of The Year.
