Steve Johnson has joined the Greater Western Sydney Giants, extending his career on a one-year deal that will lead into a coaching role.
The three-time premiership Cat and 2007 Norm Smith medalist was told earlier this year that he would not be offered a new contract for 2016 after 253 games with Geelong.
He was today traded from Geelong to the Giants in exchange for the Giants’ 2016 fifth-round draft pick.
“We’re delighted someone of Steve’s calibre has chosen to continue his playing career with the Giants,” said Giants coach Leon Cameron.
“Steve obviously brings a wealth of experience to our playing group and will be a huge asset in terms of developing our younger players.
“But first and foremost he is an intense competitor and is extremely hungry for on-field success. He continues to have the highest of expectations when it comes to his on-field performance.
“Steve has agreed to a one-year playing contract and at the end of next season we’ll sit down with him and assess what opportunities are available at the club beyond 2016.”
Johnson said he was excited to be joining a talented playing list.
“Everyone knows the Giants have an outstanding playing list and that was certainly a big influence on my decision to join them,” Johnson said.
“But I’ve been impressed by a range of things at the Giants and in the end the decision was quite straight forward. I believe I still have a lot to offer as an AFL player and I wouldn’t be continuing my playing career unless I thought I could make a difference.
“I believe this club has a great opportunity to be successful and it’s an exciting time to be joining a young up and coming team.”
Johnson should provide another option for goal in the Giants’ forward line and a mature body during occasional stints in the midfield.
Perhaps more importantly, he will look to be a valuable mentor for the maturing Giants, who will have a great opportunity to learn from one of the AFL’s most successful players.
Johnson’s contract will see him play the 2016 season, with the possibility of further years on the playing list depending on how his form holds up.
It is expected that when he retires, he will move into a coaching role with the Giants.
Johnson was an unrestricted free agent but with free agency closing over the weekend, needed a trade to join the Giants.
Geelong, having already planned to delist Johnson, were happy to swap him for a very low return, the Giants’ 2016 fifth-round draft pick.
He is the third player to leave Geelong today after Jarrad Jansen and Josh Walker were traded to Brisbane earlier this afternoon.
TRADE DONE – 3-time premiership player @Steviejohnson20 has officially joined the GIANTS – http://t.co/6uxfXS4HSc pic.twitter.com/odLiBFkVKL
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) October 19, 2015
We bid a fond farewell to @Steviejohnson20 who is off to GWS via a trade. More here – http://t.co/XALNwhqAvr pic.twitter.com/283VRRUUxT
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) October 19, 2015
Apart from one five-goal game, GWS forward Toby Greene has only kicked six goals from the other eight games. He's traditionally had success against the Western Bulldogs.
Bayley Fritsch should become an even more important player from a structural perspective, given key forward Jacob van Rooyen will be unavailable due to concussion.
For the last few weeks, there has been a rumbling in the air around Victoria. Everyone has sensed it, but most have been able…
Tom Hawkins returns to familiar surroundings of Geelong - but is it the tonic he needs to regain some of his confidence back after a goalless four games.
Jeremy Finlayson should be a welcome addition to the Port Adelaide forward line after kicking four goals in the SANFL last week.
Last, year in the second showdown, Adelaide destroyed Port by 47 points with a staggering 20 marks inside 50 with Tex Walker the main star.
