Johnson was the only North Coast player to make the squad which might be a disappointment considering there were 13 Northern Heat players that made either the State or Rising Rams Squad (3 in the State squad and 10 in the Rising Rams squad).

Despite this, Johnson's selection indicates that the selectors have seen enough of the youngster to make out he is a talented and developing player that is sure to gain more attention from AFL recruiters. Johnson who made rare appearances in the senior Swans side last year, was a key member of the Under 18 side that won the premiership for the second successive year.

The midfielder/forward is renowned for his agility and explosive pace and is at his best when he is able to take leaping marks and kick long goals in the forwardline.

Johnson's selection is even more amazing considering a leg injury made him a late exclusion from the 24 man Northern Heat squad that participated in the recent Under 18 State Trials which was the last chance for youngsters to put their name forward for the State squad. It has been a sign of his career to date, with niggling injuries halting his progress at times, especially during the Northern Heat squad trials where he was also unable to participate due to injury.

The Rams Squads have been split into three groups; NSW/ACT based Rams, Rising Rams and TAC Cup/Interstate based players.

The NSW/ACT based Rams and Rising Rams will come together in a fortnight at Narrandera on Friday February 29 and will play Saturday night.

Following the Narrandera hit-out the RAMS will make their way to Lavington next month to take on TAC Cup team, the Murray Bushrangers. A number of the NSW players will feature in this game for the Bushrangers and will give the RAMS coaching staff a good indication of where they sit going into the National carnival in May.

Johnson has a chance to break into this squad, with selectors making it clear that changes can be made to the squad subject to performance, injury and team structure.

What do you think? Do you think there should've been more players selected in the squad? What can we do to give up-and-coming locals the best chance to make the State Squad in any age group? Email your opinions on these issues to ncafl@bigpond.net.au

Team lists are below courtesy of AFL NSW/ACT: