Former Western Crows Captain, Jay Johnson, will take the reins from Andrew Howison this season as the Saints embark on their journey of continued growth and development.
Jay’s transition to the Saints came as the team relocated their base to Christchurch. In 2023, he became an integral part of the Saints Leadership group. Despite a challenging season that saw them narrowly miss out on the Grand Final, the Saints are poised for greatness in 2024, thanks to their impressive blend of youthful energy and exceptional talent.
With a rich history of being a key squad member for the Crows over six seasons, Jay Johnson’s endurance running, polished ball skills, and composed demeanour made him a standout player in every match.
Jay Johnson’s remarkable consistency and excellence on the field have earned him a place in the AFL New Zealand Premiership ‘Team of the Year’ since the competition’s inception. His illustrious list of accolades includes the Crow’s Best and Fairest award in 2016 and the competition’s Best and Fairest title in 2018.
Jay’s journey in Australian Rules Football began in 2011 when he first represented the New Zealand Falcons. His introduction to the sport came through former AFL New Zealand representative and current New Zealand Sevens All Blacks team member, Sam Dickson.
As Jay Johnson assumes leadership of the Saints, we look forward to witnessing his guidance and contributions to the team’s pursuit of excellence in the 2024 season.
