Steve Johnson Might Have Played His Last Game For Geelong
The Geelong Cats have announced that Steve Johnson has been suspended, and he won't be considered for senior selection for at least the first month of the 2007 season. But even if he was fit and available he may not have gotten a lot of playing time.
Click on the link to see the statement that Geelong released about Steve Johnson.
Even before Johnson was suspended he was in a big group of players who were chances to fill the last spot in the forward line there. They have Ottens and Hawkins, and maybe Chapman and both Abletts too. If Geelong want to go bigger then Mooney at centre half forward is an option, if Mooney plays somewhere else then there is a spot up for grabs.
Steve Johnson has a lot more competition this year for a starting forward spot than in previous seasons. First round picks Travis Varcoe, who was pick 15 in the 2005 AFL draft, and Joel Selwood will deserve to be played in 2007. The midfield is a bit loaded so one of them might get their first chance at AFL as a small forward. Geelong also have little speedsters Stokes, Wojcinski and Byrnes who could fill a forward pocket role. Gamble or Mackie could also fill a similar role to what Steve Johnson had in the past.
Even when Steve Johnson gets considered for the senior team, which could be in May, he might find it hard to get into the team. The Cats could win five of their first six games and they might not be making many changes to their team at that time. In round 7 the Eagles return to Kardinia Park, Johnson is unlikely to get a look there. Johnson should target the round 12 game against Brisbane for his AFL return, he was a star against the Lions last season.
Even if he doesn't get a senior game with Geelong next season then he will surely get another chance somewhere else in 2008. The Magpies and Bombers were among clubs who were interested in Johnson during trading in 2006 and he could be available at a bargain price next trading period. The Swans are always ready to trade for a goalkicker and other teams will also consider Steve Johnson if his time at Geelong does come to an end.
Click on the link to see the statement that Geelong released about Steve Johnson.
Even before Johnson was suspended he was in a big group of players who were chances to fill the last spot in the forward line there. They have Ottens and Hawkins, and maybe Chapman and both Abletts too. If Geelong want to go bigger then Mooney at centre half forward is an option, if Mooney plays somewhere else then there is a spot up for grabs.
Steve Johnson has a lot more competition this year for a starting forward spot than in previous seasons. First round picks Travis Varcoe, who was pick 15 in the 2005 AFL draft, and Joel Selwood will deserve to be played in 2007. The midfield is a bit loaded so one of them might get their first chance at AFL as a small forward. Geelong also have little speedsters Stokes, Wojcinski and Byrnes who could fill a forward pocket role. Gamble or Mackie could also fill a similar role to what Steve Johnson had in the past.
Even when Steve Johnson gets considered for the senior team, which could be in May, he might find it hard to get into the team. The Cats could win five of their first six games and they might not be making many changes to their team at that time. In round 7 the Eagles return to Kardinia Park, Johnson is unlikely to get a look there. Johnson should target the round 12 game against Brisbane for his AFL return, he was a star against the Lions last season.
Even if he doesn't get a senior game with Geelong next season then he will surely get another chance somewhere else in 2008. The Magpies and Bombers were among clubs who were interested in Johnson during trading in 2006 and he could be available at a bargain price next trading period. The Swans are always ready to trade for a goalkicker and other teams will also consider Steve Johnson if his time at Geelong does come to an end.
