Great debate about Stevie J
GREATER Western Sydney vice-captain Stephen Coniglio emphatically disagrees with the “no” camp, but he respects plenty of their opinions and has no issue with dignified debate about Steve Johnson.
All eight remaining AFL clubs have selection conundrums they must solve this week. None are quite as highprofile as that of what GWS does with Johnson.
The retiring goalsneak only had eight disposals and minimal influence in the Giants’ final-round loss to Geelong.
The 34-year-old has struggled for consistent form in his last season, in no small part because he is carrying a knee injury.
Three-time premiership coach Mick Malthouse has seen enough to declare the 291game star should be axed for Thursday night’s final against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
“I don’t think he’s capable of doing the things that he would want to do,” Malthouse said yesterday morning.
Coniglio countered with the most emphatic statement to come from GWS about the three-time premiership forward.
“If I was a selector I’d pick him,” the foundation Giant said.
“A lot of people from outside our footy club looking in, they’ve seen how his form has deteriorated a little bit.
“In these big games Stevie has proven himself on multiple occasions. Having those type of guys out there, you could say you walk a little bit taller.”
Coniglio noted Johnson’s guidance was as helpful as his guile. “The education when he is out there, especially at quarter-time, halftime, during the week — it’s imperative for our club,” he said.
He said Malthouse was a respected figure at GWS, having addressed players during the club’s early existence.
“We understand a lot of guys are going to have differ- ent opinions. My opinion is to pick him,” he said.
“Mick had to make some hard calls during that Collingwood era . . . and got it right.”
Former Fremantle utility Matt de Boer is likely to be recalled if Johnson is dumped, while Tim Taranto and Matt Kennedy are other contenders.
“Finals football is pressure football . . . you have to pick a side that’s going to win, not hope to win,” Malthouse said of Johnson, who kicked a game-high four goals when Geelong defeated Collingwood in the 2011 grand final.
Mark Williams, a former Giants senior assistant coach, expressed similar sentiments.
Johnson’s former teammate, Jimmy Bartel, and Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin suggested coach Leon Cameron should give the veteran another chance.
“The whole point of him getting to the Giants is for this,” Bartel said on RSN927.
“De Boer is . . . not the better option. He’s only kicked one goal in 10 finals.”