GWS Giants coach Leon Cameron hasn’t confirmed retiring star Steve Johnson will command a spot in their best 22 come finals time.
Johnson has dealt with a number of injuries this season, while struggling with form. He has kicked 15 goals in 15 games, while averaging 15.9 disposals, but with the Giants now almost back to full strength, Cameron isn’t sure if Johnson will get back into the team.
Johnson missed last week’s win over West Coast.
“Everyone knows the struggles he has had in terms of footy with his knee, playing two weeks off for one, playing for three and off for two or three, it isn’t ideal and it isn’t the greatest preparation for him,” Cameron told SEN’s The Run Home.
“This time last year, he was absolutely in our best 22. Have the goal posts changed a little bit? Stevie will be the first to say he needs to play his best footy to be in the best 22.
“He trained really well yesterday; if he pulls up really well then no doubt he will be heavily considered for selection this weekend.”
Despite not giving the three-time premiership player a ringing endorsement, Cameron did admit Johnson adds a valuable dimension to the GWS line-up.
“Right now, I think he still has a big role to play, whether it be this weekend or the coming month, because of his experience,” he said.
“When he has gotten that knee right for any particular week, he has had big games where he has 18-20 possessions and kicks two goals. Any half forward flanker who does that is worth their weight in gold.
“He has probably done that five-or-six times this year in some big games, so I still think there is a fair bit to play out.”