Five-year trip to 50

MITCH Johnson never imagined he would spend more than one season in Queensland playing for the Southport Sharks.

Five years later he is about to record his 50th senior game for the Sharks.

It is a milestone he won’t ever forget because it will come against one of the greatest defenders Richmond, the AFL team he supports, has had in recent years, Alex Rance.

The premiership Tiger will make his comeback to footy when he plays for Essendon’s VFL team against Southport on Sunday at Fankhauser Reserve.

Johnson, a 27-year-old forward for the Sharks, could go directly against Rance as he attempts to help Southport record its ninth win and retain its place in second on the VFL ladder as it edges towards finals.