Collingwood forward Ash Johnson sustains broken fibula during VFL practice match

Jackson Clark Published March 17, 2025 at 12.00am (AWST)

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Ash Johnson has sustained a broken fibula during Friday afternoon's VFL practice match. (Image: Getty Images)

Collingwood forward Ash Johnson is set for an extended stint on the sidelines after sustaining a broken fibula during the club's VFL pre-season contest against Northern Bullants on Friday afternoon at AIA Centre.

The Kija and Jaru man went up to take a high mark and landed awkwardly before clutching at his left leg.

Johnson was surrounded by concerned teammates and was eventually stretchered from the field by medical staff.

The 27-year-old was immediately sent for scans which confirmed the extent of the injury.

Collingwood's Executive General Manager of Football Charlie Gardiner provided an update via the club's website yesterday afternoon.

"Ash sustained the injury during our Club's VFL pre-season game yesterday afternoon," Gardiner said.

"He is expected to undergo surgery next week and will unfortunately spend an extended period of time on the sidelines as he recovers."

Johnson was enjoying a strong pre-season and represented the Indigenous All-Stars in their win over Fremantle last month.

A concerned Mason Cox watches over his Collingwood teammate Ash Johnson. (Image: X)

"This is disappointing news for Ash who has enjoyed a strong start to the year," Gardiner said.

"This is obviously a significant setback, but Ash remains in good spirits all things considered and has the full support of our medical team and wider program."

It is a cruel blow for Johnson in what shaped as an important season for him.

With the Magpies' recent recruitment of Dan McStay and Tim Membrey, he has slipped down the pecking order in the team's forward line.

The high-flying forward featured in just three matches at AFL level in 2024 and is set to come out of contract at the end of the year.

In October last year he was delisted by the Magpies, but the club committed to picking him in the rookie draft the following month.

Johnson has played 27 AFL games since being selected by the Magpies with the third pick in the 2021 Mid-Season Draft.

He played 15 VFL games in 2024 and enjoyed a solid season, which was highlighted by a five-goal performance against Frankston in Round 15.

Star small forward Bobby Hill paid tribute to Johnson during last night's AFL match by writing the initials 'AJ' on his wrist tape and pointing to it after kicking both of his goals.

Hill finished with two majors in the Magpies' 91-point win over Port Adelaide last night at the MCG.