Steve Johnson’s highly decorated career will continue with the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS after the triple premiership player today joined the club for the 2016 AFL season.
Johnson comes to the GIANTS in exchange for a future fifth round selection in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft. He joins the club on a one-year playing deal after concluding an incredible 253-game career with the Geelong Cats.
During his 13 seasons with the Cats, Johnson was a member of Geelong's 2007, 2009 and 2011 premiership sides, the 2007 Norm Smith Medallist and a three-time All Australian. The 32-year kicked 452 goals for Geelong and led the club’s goal-kicking in 2008 and 2010.
“We’re delighted someone of Steve’s calibre has chosen to continue his playing career with the GIANTS,” said GIANTS Coach Leon Cameron.
“Steve obviously brings a wealth of experience to our playing group and will be a huge asset in terms of developing our younger players.
“But first and foremost he is an intense competitor and is extremely hungry for on-field success. He continues to have the highest of expectations when it comes to his on-field performance.
“Steve has agreed to a one-year playing contract and at the end of next season we’ll sit down with him and assess what opportunities are available at the club beyond 2016.”
Steve Johnson said the GIANTS’ exciting playing list was one of several factors that swayed his decision to join the club.
“Everyone knows the GIANTS have an outstanding playing list and that was certainly a big influence on my decision to join them,” Johnson said.
“But I’ve been impressed by a range of things at the GIANTS and in the end the decision was quite straight forward. I believe I still have a lot to offer as an AFL player and I wouldn’t be continuing my playing career unless I thought I could make a difference.
“I believe this club has a great opportunity to be successful and it's an exciting time to be joining a young up and coming team.”
On Friday the GIANTS signed unrestricted free agent Dawson Simpson from the Geelong Cats while defender Curtly Hampton was traded to the Adelaide Crows and midfielder Jacob Townsend became a Tiger.
The GIANTS currently hold picks, 8, 27, 48, 66, 70, 84 and 102 at next month’s NAB AFL Draft in addition to Adelaide’s future second-round pick in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft.
