Steve Johnson will return to the GIANTS in 2021 as part of a revamped coaching panel.

Johnson played 40 games for the GIANTS in 2016 and 2017 as the final chapter in a decorated playing career which included three premierships and a Norm Smith Medal at Geelong.

The 37-year old has spent the last three years as an Assistant Coach at the Sydney Swans. He was in charge of a forward line at the Swans that featured some of the AFL’s most dangerous players including Buddy Franklin, Tom Papley and Isaac Heeney.

He will return to the GIANTS as a line coach following a 297-game career and 516 goals.

Head Coach Leon Cameron said he was delighted to get Johnson back to the GIANTS and is looking forward to the triple Premiership player bolstering the club’s coaching stocks.

“Steve is renowned as having one of the sharpest footy minds in the game and we’re delighted to welcome him back to the GIANTS,” said Cameron.

“With Lenny Hayes and Brad Miller stepping away from coaching, an opportunity opened up and we feel that Steve will complement the rest of our coaching group extremely well.

“We always knew he would be an excellent coach and he’s proven that over the past few seasons. He has maintained excellent relationships with our players and staff so in many respects it’ll be like he has never left."

Johnson said he is looking forward to returning to the club that saw him complete his AFL playing career.

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to work alongside Leon and the coaching staff as well as the playing group who I've got strong relationships with,” said Johnson.

“The GIANTS had a challenging 2020 campaign but I’m really excited by what the future holds for the club and the challenges ahead.”

The GIANTS will finalise the rest of their coaching structure in the coming weeks.