 At the end of the 2009 season, Johns was involved in a dispute with East Fremantle when he did not come back after an off-season trip.Subsequently, Johns was released to Heywood in the Western Border Football League (based on the Victorian/South Australian border) alongside other former AFL footballers, such as Mal Michael.In round 2, against Hamilton Imperials, he kicked 11 goals, helping to end the club's 44-game losing streak.