craigsahibee
18-07-2008, 10:34 AM
Thanks to Twodogs for giving me the opportunity to complete this weeks opposition player focus.
I apologise for the delay in posting this thread but we had a communication issue.
Steven Johnson
DOB: 4th July 1983
Height: 189cm
Weight; 89 kg’s
Recruited From: Murray Bushrangers U18’s
Debut: 2002
Has a player captured the attention of the public as much as Geelong’s Steven Johnson has in recent times?
Described by many as an enigma in his formative years, Johnson’s early career was dotted with acts of brilliance interspersed among periods of inconsistency. Off field indiscretions often overshadowed his acts on the paddock and this was highlighted during the 2007 pre season when he suffered a club imposed sanction of 5 matches after being arrested in Wangaratta for public drunkenness.
Villain to Hero
His 2007 season started off in disgrace but finished with the ultimate prize as he collected the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground in his teams massacre of Port Adelaide in the Grand Final.
Playing predominately as a half forward, Johnson is capable of scoring the miraculous whilst also contributing to the team ethic by creating goals and handing off to team-mates in a better position. He consistently baffles opponents, and occasionally his own team-mates, with his freakish skills and look away handballs to provide better scoring options.
One of his fine attributes is his aerobic capacity. He works his opponent over by making multiple leads up the ground and then doubling back inside the forward 50. His return of only 6 contested marks this season indicates that he likes to get on the bike and win the ball on the lead. Of his 92 marks taken this year 38 have been inside the forward 50 suggesting that he is able to lose his opponent through hard leading and screens/blocks provided by the other Geelong forwards.
He is extremely unpredictable and is equally adept in the air or with the ball at his feet, making it difficult for opposition coaches and players to match up on. Johnson is blessed with flair and skill making him one of the finest players to watch as an exponent of our great game but he also has the grunt to be able to win the ball inside. This is highlighted by the fact that he averages 6.13 contested possessions per game in a season where he is weekly return is an average of 19.3 possessions.
Consistent is a word that could best describe his contribution this year. Whilst not being outstanding he has played his role in one of the most powerful attacks in the competition kicking 31 goals and being credited with 17 goal assists. He has scored goals in 12 of his 15 games with a season high of 5 against the Blues in Round 10 when Geelong won by 56 points. After being held goalless on the weekend he will be keen to get his name back in front of the scorers this week against the Bulldogs.
Likely Opponent
The Bulldogs coaching staff will no doubt be targeting Johnson as one of the key Geelong Forwards we need to keep quiet. At 190cm and 92 kg’s Dale Morris looks to be the ideal match up. Ultra consistent, Morris thrives on these types of challenges and will like nothing more than adding another notch to his belt of big name victims. Dale has the speed and endurance to be able to stick with Johnson. Hargrave and even Tiller could provide likely back-up and it may be worth considering rotating both Morris and Hargrave on the dangerous Johnson to help negate the fatigue factor should Johnson work harder higher up the ground.
I apologise for the delay in posting this thread but we had a communication issue.
Steven Johnson
DOB: 4th July 1983
Height: 189cm
Weight; 89 kg’s
Recruited From: Murray Bushrangers U18’s
Debut: 2002
Has a player captured the attention of the public as much as Geelong’s Steven Johnson has in recent times?
Described by many as an enigma in his formative years, Johnson’s early career was dotted with acts of brilliance interspersed among periods of inconsistency. Off field indiscretions often overshadowed his acts on the paddock and this was highlighted during the 2007 pre season when he suffered a club imposed sanction of 5 matches after being arrested in Wangaratta for public drunkenness.
Villain to Hero
His 2007 season started off in disgrace but finished with the ultimate prize as he collected the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground in his teams massacre of Port Adelaide in the Grand Final.
Playing predominately as a half forward, Johnson is capable of scoring the miraculous whilst also contributing to the team ethic by creating goals and handing off to team-mates in a better position. He consistently baffles opponents, and occasionally his own team-mates, with his freakish skills and look away handballs to provide better scoring options.
One of his fine attributes is his aerobic capacity. He works his opponent over by making multiple leads up the ground and then doubling back inside the forward 50. His return of only 6 contested marks this season indicates that he likes to get on the bike and win the ball on the lead. Of his 92 marks taken this year 38 have been inside the forward 50 suggesting that he is able to lose his opponent through hard leading and screens/blocks provided by the other Geelong forwards.
He is extremely unpredictable and is equally adept in the air or with the ball at his feet, making it difficult for opposition coaches and players to match up on. Johnson is blessed with flair and skill making him one of the finest players to watch as an exponent of our great game but he also has the grunt to be able to win the ball inside. This is highlighted by the fact that he averages 6.13 contested possessions per game in a season where he is weekly return is an average of 19.3 possessions.
Consistent is a word that could best describe his contribution this year. Whilst not being outstanding he has played his role in one of the most powerful attacks in the competition kicking 31 goals and being credited with 17 goal assists. He has scored goals in 12 of his 15 games with a season high of 5 against the Blues in Round 10 when Geelong won by 56 points. After being held goalless on the weekend he will be keen to get his name back in front of the scorers this week against the Bulldogs.
Likely Opponent
The Bulldogs coaching staff will no doubt be targeting Johnson as one of the key Geelong Forwards we need to keep quiet. At 190cm and 92 kg’s Dale Morris looks to be the ideal match up. Ultra consistent, Morris thrives on these types of challenges and will like nothing more than adding another notch to his belt of big name victims. Dale has the speed and endurance to be able to stick with Johnson. Hargrave and even Tiller could provide likely back-up and it may be worth considering rotating both Morris and Hargrave on the dangerous Johnson to help negate the fatigue factor should Johnson work harder higher up the ground.