Stevie J hasn’t had his day, say Giants
M. Scharenberg (ankle), S. Sidebottom (hamstring) J. Hogan (hamstring) B. McKay (head knock) R. Lester (head knock) C. Sinclair (ankle), K. Tippett (ankle). C. Byrne (knee) J. Parsons (foot) C. Ah Chee (shoulder) J. Geary (concussion) GIANTS coach Leon Cameron will have to select Steve Johnson for a final on blind faith after an alarming dropoff in his past four performances.
Cameron backed in Johnson after a worrying eight-possession game against Geelong in a defeat that saw them lose their hopes of a home final.
He said Johnson was “definitely not” out of his finals plans, with captain Phil Davis adamant yesterday that Johnson was in the club’s best 22.
But Johnson has been goalless in three of his past four games, battling the effects of a sore knee and his age.
Only four of his eight possessions were effective and two were direct turnovers, with his only goals since mid-July a two-major performance against Sydney.
Johnson looked disconsolate in the rooms post-match as he was comforted by family, but Davis said nothing should be read into it.
Champion Data stats show Johnson has had only 29 effective possessions in his past four weeks as his kicking efficiency and pressure index all slump alarmingly.
Potential replacement Matt de Boer is a swarming pressure player but has just six goals from 12 games, while midfielder Ryan Griffen will finally be fit after a syndesmosis strain.
Davis said Toby Greene (ribs) was certain to play in the first final despite soreness, with Jacob Hopper battling a similar injury.
Asked if Johnson was done, Cameron replied: “I wouldn’t say that, absolutely not.”
“It’s like saying is it over for one of our players for the finals series because he plays poorly tonight, absolutely not.
“Our entire squad will put their hand up, who’s not injured, and he’ll be one of them.
“I’ll look at that and look at who we’re playing and who suits what opposition every game we play. Hopefully we’re playing at least three of them (finals).”