FORMER Bendigo Pioneers star Aidyn Johnson will line-up for Richmond's VFL team in 2020, hoping a big season will lead him back to the AFL.
The speedy forward was delisted by Port Adelaide at the end of the 2019 season and trained with the Sydney Swans in the lead-up to the AFL National Draft in the hopes of securing a lifeline.
Johnson, who hails from Echuca-Moama and was educated at Scotch College in Melbourne, spent four seasons with Port Adelaide, where he played 11 games and kicked eight goals.
The 22-year-old cited his relationship with Richmond VFL coach Xavier Clarke as the deciding factor in his decision to move to Tigerland.
"I actually went over to South Africa with 'X' in 2014, he was the coach of the Boomerangs side which was a bit of fun, so that was a pull to get me here and also how connected all of the boys are," Johnson told the Richmond Football Club website.
"Already everyone has been so welcoming, and I know that I have made the right decision.
"On field I just want to play consistent footy and give myself the best chance to play AFL again; and it'd be nice to win a premiership here as well."
Johnson, who was drafted by the Power with pick 45 in the 2015 national draft, debuted for Port Adelaide in round five of the 2017 season against Carlton.
He booted a goal with his first kick as the Power went on to defeat the Blues by 90 points.
The former AFL Academy squad member played just one senior game in 2019, against Adelaide in round eight.
Despite limited opportunities at AFL level, Johnson did, however, produce some consistent football with Port Adelaide's SANFL team, kicking 42 goals in 47 matches.
Johnson joins a Tigers VFL team coming off a premiership win over Williamstown.
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