Stevie J farewell on their minds
GEELONG’S clash against Greater Western Sydney looms as the stand-out Friday night marquee match in Round 23.
And it could be an emotional farewell at Simonds Stadium for Giants’ veteran, three-time premiership player, 2007 Norm Smith medallist Steve Johnson.
The 33-year-old champion goal kicker is pushing to return from a knee injury at the mid-point of his 16th and final AFL season.
The league is yet to lock-in the slots for the floating Round 23 fixture but will look to reward the top sides with the Friday night spot to give them the longest break possible heading into finals.
The game would also hold enormous appeal for the broadcasters with Cats superstar teammates Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood potentially locked in a thrilling finish for this year’s Brownlow Medal.
It would be only the fourth Friday night game in GWS’s history, providing the club with welcome exposure on the eve of its premiership tilt.
The Giants are one game clear on top of the ladder and remain favourite to win their first flag in only their sixth season in the competition.
Third-placed Geelong is also entrenched in the top four, two wins ahead of fifthplaced Port Adelaide.
The Cats have four more games at Simonds Stadium in the run home including a Round 21 clash against Richmond.
The Cats and the AFL yesterday denied that match would be moved to the MCG to cater for a bumper crowd for the two potential finalists.
“Geelong’s Round 21 clash with Richmond will remain at Simonds Stadium despite recent media reports,” Geelong acting chief executive Justin Reeves said.
“The club and the AFL have not, and do not intend to discuss a venue move.”