It's the last thing any defender will want to hear after the youngster starred at full-forward in the Panthers' charge to the title.

"I'm up to 194cms now, I think I grew a couple of cms over the COVID, I reckon I did anyway," he said.

Still only 20, Johnson was considering a stint in the VFL next year after he completes his plumbing apprenticeship, but will stay with the premiers, partly because of the uncertainty over AFL list sizes and what impact that will have on State outfits.

"I just don't want to move down there and if it (circumstances) changes, I'm making the trip back to Albury to play footy," he said.

While Johnson kicked 48 goals to finish second in the Doug Strang Medal, Panthers' premiership captain Luke Garland believes he's heading for a transformation.

"I think his role will look to change, he won't be a genuine full-forward," he explained.

"If you look at the better players in the AFL now, your (Marcus) Bontempelli's, (Patrick) Cripps, (Patrick) Dangerfield's, they're all tall midfielders.

"With his physique and fitness base, because he's one of our fittest players, I think he should push to be a big-bodied midfielder."

Carlton's Cripps (195cms), Western Bulldogs' captain Bontempelli (193) and Geelong superstar Dangerfield (189) are also similar in weight to Johnson (95kgs), but he's determined to get fitter.

"Probably my fitness, pace and mobility around the ground (are areas I want to improve) and my set shots, I reckon I could improve on that," he said.

Garland was stunned by Johnson's last pre-season before the year was cancelled due to coronavirus.

"It was such a disappointment the season didn't go ahead as his pre-season was massive, he led all our running, he was incredible," he offered.

"For the older guys, it's not so bad, it's a year off, it's a break, but guys in that age group, it's a missed opportunity.

"I really feel for those coming through the system trying to make the higher level or have just left the AFL system, having a season off like that."

IN OTHER NEWS:

While Lavington has been quiet in off-season recruiting, particularly compared to fellow perennial finalists Wangaratta (which recruited Collingwood premiership player Ben Reid) and Albury (signing former AFL midfielder Anthony Miles as co-coach), the club has re-signed most of its premiership list, including former VFL defender Nick Meredith and rep ruckman Tim Hanna.

Johnson has also recovered well after undergoing surgery for a broken foot.