WATCH: Adam Treloar's incredibly classy mid-play gesture for injured Giant
Good bloke areas from the Bulldogs star!
Geelong legend Steve Johnson admits it was a wrench to leave the Cats but now he craves to help deliver Greater Western Sydney an historic AFL premiership.
As a three-time flag winner, Norm Smith Medallist as best on ground in the 2007 grand final and Geelong’s two-time leading goal scorer, Johnson’s legacy is secure at the Cats.
But the Giants’ marquee signing concedes a part of him wanted to remain in Geelong and achieve even more after ending his 14-season, 253-game career at the Cats, where “Stevie J” is also a cult hero as much for his zany personality.
“When I first got to the GWS and I walked around the change rooms, I thought `geez, I’m going to be playing at a new club’. It was something I thought was going to take a bit of getting used to because I really loved representing the Geelong Football Club,” Johnson said on Fox Sports’ Back Page program.
“I cherished my time there and was heavily invested in that club.
“But it came to an end and, for me, it was about making a decision that I still love my footy and I wanted to keep playing.”
So play on he will, with the 32-year-old signing a one-season deal – with an option of another – with the Giants, who have yet to make the finals in their four-season history but boast the most exciting roster in the AFL.
“Getting to know the young GWS players and really feeling welcomed at this club, I now want to play a small role in hopefully them really achieving the ultimate success in the future sometime,” Johnson said.
Johnson won’t have to wait long before jousting with former teammates, with the Giants set to take on Geelong in Canberra in round two on April 3.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Good bloke areas from the Bulldogs star!
A horror moment from the Giants veteran!
Not sure Finn Callaghan knew about this rule!
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…