'Sucked in beautifully': Neale, Lions goaded into two off-ball frees, then tries to win one himself
Things heating up in Canberra!
Greater Western Sydney coach Leon Cameron believes he might squeeze one more year out of veteran Steve Johsnon, as question marks remain over the composition of the rising AFL club’s forward group.
Johnson missed Saturday’s six-point preliminary final loss to the Western Bulldogs due to suspension.
The forward kicked 43 goals in his most productive season since 2011 and has scored 495 majors over 275 career games.
He signed with the Giants for just one season, and the club left the door open for him to play for another season or even join their coaching staff.
“He’s obviously had a terrific year,” Cameron said.
“He’s fit in well with our footy club, but this time of year is always interesting because of the shifting and moving of players.
“We understand it happens a lot more than it used to.
“We’ll look at our list and say, ‘Are we on the right track?’ and I feel as though we definitely are.
“I’ll probably have that chat with him early next week, but it’s probably more likely than unlikely (he’ll play on).”
A question mark also looms over the future of ruckman-forward Rory Lobb, who reportedly might seek a trade to a club in his home state of Western Australia.
Lobb had a breakout season, finishing among the top three in the competition for contested marks and chipped in with 29 goals.
Another WA product, key forward Cam McCarthy, spent the season in his home state and looks likely to have played his last game for GWS, despite being on contract for 2017.
Coming off contract is key forward James Stewart, who also had a good season in 2015, but didn’t play another senior game in 2016 after appearing in the first-round loss to Melbourne.
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Things heating up in Canberra!
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
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Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.