Jolted Giants get one back
AFTER the double blow of losing Shane Mumford and Jeremy Cameron to injury, a revitalised Steve Johnson looks highly likely to return for GWS Giants in Saturday’s do-or-die AFL final.
Giants coach Leon Cameron gave Johnson a ringing endorsement yesterday after he impressed in training following his omission from the team that lost to Adelaide in last week’s qualifying final.
Johnson impressed in a Giants reserves’ practice match last Friday and Cameron said his 24 games of finals experience gave him an advantage for inclusion in the side to face West Coast at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.
“You can’t deny that,” Cameron said.
“The main thing for Steve was he needed a really good run last week. He played 90 per cent of the game against the Adelaide Crows’ reserves.
“It was a really good hitout and he was the first to admit his last couple of games in the home-and-away season were not that great.”
The Giants kicked just six goals against Adelaide and eight against Geelong in the last game of the regular season. And with leading goalkicker Jeremy Cameron out for the year, Johnson’s ability in front of goal is priceless.
“It’s enticing to take a look at Steve because of what he can do,” Cameron said.
“His deft touch and the moments he’s created throughout his career are handy in finals footy.”
Cameron suggested Dawson Simpson was the frontrunner to replace the injured Mumford.