Former Cats rookie rediscovers love of footy up north
TWO healthy lower limbs and a move to Port Douglas has helped former Geelong-listed key position player Ben Johnson fall back in love with footy.
Johnson was rookie-selected by the Cats at the end of 2009 as a 22-year-old and returned to his junior club Bell Park once his AFL stint was over. He has not played for the Dragons since 2017 but recently got his body right, suiting up for Port Douglas in the AFL Cairns league.
Johnson had been away from the sport for 24 months, suffering from feet and ankle injuries while also struggling to find enjoyment from footy.
“I have not played for almost two years. I lost a bit of love for the game. It has been about two-and-a-half years since I played properly,” Johnson said. “I had some injuries with my feet and ankles as well. Being a bigger guy, I really need them.
“I love it again after coming up here; the club itself has been fantastic to me and I cannot speak highly enough of guys like Barry Lea around the club.”
The towering Johnson made his return against North Cairns late last month and suffered a slight hamstring injury against the Saints second-up, but should be back in Crocs colours soon enough.
“He moves really well and is a real selfless player,” premiership coach Brad Cooper said of Johnson. “He brings guys into the game. It was only a little hamstring he did, which means we will have to pack him up for a couple of weeks, but when he gets back, hopefully we can get some consistency into him.”