Pros and Cons: Should Johnson Play Round 1?

[The Adelaide Connection]

Pros: -Leadership
-350th in front of a huge crowd (as opposed to when he set the club games record)
-He is a gun obviously. Always gives us something.
-I will be over for the game

Cons: -Underdone? (Lacking match fitness and maybe need to errr on the side of caution)
-Collingwood is a massive assignment. Need cattle that are 100%. The Richmond game where we could get away with giving less game time might be a better call.
-The forward line have been playing without him (see previous point).

What do you think? There has been a bit of talk in a few different threads, but I thought it was worthy of it's own slot and I would love to see peoples reasoning. Should he be played in round 1?

[AndrewP6]

Re: Pros and Cons: Should Johnson Play Round 1?

WIthout knowing of his fitness/recovery from the injury, I'm a bit hesitant, to be honest. With his age, recovery from injury can be difficult, and it's not something he's had to do a lot of. He's had zero game time this year, which fitness-wise could be hard. Obviously the match committee have the most in-depth awareness, and they'll weigh all factors up. If, as the saying goes, he "ticks all the boxes" then yes. Otherwise, hold off until he's right. Without a "Maybe" option, I'll stick to my pessimistic nature, and say no.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Pros and Cons: Should Johnson Play Round 1?

I say play him, i don't think the club will risk him this early, if he isn't 100% ready to go.

[choconmientay]

Re: Pros and Cons: Should Johnson Play Round 1?

Please line him up. With his presence the team will be even more motivated so as the fans.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Re: Pros and Cons: Should Johnson Play Round 1?

WIthout knowing of his fitness/recovery from the injury, I'm a bit hesitant, to be honest. With his age, recovery from injury can be difficult, and it's not something he's had to do a lot of. He's had zero game time this year, which fitness-wise could be hard. Obviously the match committee have the most in-depth awareness, and they'll weigh all factors up. If, as the saying goes, he "ticks all the boxes" then yes. Otherwise, hold off until he's right. Without a "Maybe" option, I'll stick to my pessimistic nature, and say no.

Well said. But as much as I would love to see his 350th I don't think he can really tick all the boxes due to the lack of match fitness. I think that because of who the opposition are this week, even if the injury has left him it is a massive risk to take him into the game. If it was Richmond round 1 it would be a different story.

[chef]

Re: Pros and Cons: Should Johnson Play Round 1?

I say yes because I'm being selfish and want to see him playing his 350th game(fingers crossed he gets through it alright), the next game I get to see live is round 12.

[Hotdog60]

Re: Pros and Cons: Should Johnson Play Round 1?

If he is fit and the only reason not to play him is match fitness, I would play him.

I would put him in the forward pocket and give him stints on the bench, rotate brad with Hill.

What's the difference if he gets an injury in a Willies game or against Collingwood, if it happens against Collingwood the troops should rally for him and get the win.

Better to go out in the main event than to go out in the VFL.

Age is a big consideration but I think his earned the right to have a go. If Brad thinks his ready let him do it.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Pros and Cons: Should Johnson Play Round 1?

I'm not sure what to think?? Match fitness is totally different from running laps but Johnno strikes me as a naturally fit guy so his base should see him through the game provided his achilies is 100% Would love to see him get a win in his 350th against those pricks too!

[BulldogBelle]

Re: Pros and Cons: Should Johnson Play Round 1?

Sure is tough.

Pro: It would be simply awesome. He will contribute as Johnno always does.

Con: It's a long season. Our depth is awesome and could put in just as solid a performance as well as carry it with them for the season.

If I was a harder man, I would say NO in favor for someone with better match fitness. (I am aware he is currently training to obtain it)

But I'm a really a softy, I believe in footy fairy tales, and I love Brad Johnson so i'll scream YES! Johnno! several times from the stands on sunday afternoon.

[BulldogBelle]

Re: Pros and Cons: Should Johnson Play Round 1?

Yes if he is fit.

But there is no need to rush him back it is a long season and need a fit Johno at the end of the season.

Maybe he should play at Willi first to get some match fitness and then play 2nd round against Richmond.

[Max469]

Re: Pros and Cons: Should Johnson Play Round 1?

If is he is not fit he should not be in the team for the game on Sunday.

As said by a couple of posters, it is a long season and I for one would prefer him fit and the end of the season.

We should never under estimate any team, especially the start of the season as everyone will be trying to start of on a winning note. This includes Collingwood in this round and Richmond the week after.

We now have a target on our backs, so everyone will be trying to know us off our perch.

If Johnno comes back in round 2 against Richmond - so be it - better to be fit, than 15 mins into the game, he realises he is not right and we are one player down.

[dog town]

Re: Pros and Cons: Should Johnson Play Round 1?

I think he will be ready to go. I remember round 1 in Eade's first season when he was supposedly no chance with an ankle injury but lined up and shocked the pies. He takes a good player and he has always been pretty well prepared.

[Mantis]

Re: Pros and Cons: Should Johnson Play Round 1?

I think he will be ready to go. I remember round 1 in Eade's first season when he was supposedly no chance with an ankle injury but lined up and shocked the pies. He takes a good player and he has always been pretty well prepared.

He normally attracts Heath Shaw when we play the Pies. I would much prefer that Shaw goes to Johnno rather than a lesser opponent who Shaw could perhaps work off.

[Go_Dogs]

Re: Pros and Cons: Should Johnson Play Round 1?

I think he will be ready to go. I remember round 1 in Eade's first season when he was supposedly no chance with an ankle injury but lined up and shocked the pies. He takes a good player and he has always been pretty well prepared.

I tend to agree, but at the same time - we need him to stay on the park and get some serious game time under his belt. The last thing we want is another soft tissue injury as it could result in another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Johnno has been an incredibly resilient player in his time though, and has frequently played injured and got up for matches when perhaps it was thought he couldn't. So I say play him, as long as their are no legitimate risks.

[hujsh]

Re: Pros and Cons: Should Johnson Play Round 1?

If he is fit and the only reason not to play him is match fitness, I would play him.

I would put him in the forward pocket and give him stints on the bench, rotate brad with Hill.

What's the difference if he gets an injury in a Willies game or against Collingwood, if it happens against Collingwood the troops should rally for him and get the win.

Better to go out in the main event than to go out in the VFL.

Age is a big consideration but I think his earned the right to have a go. If Brad thinks his ready let him do it.

If it happens against Collingwood we're a man short. I'd prefer Willy to be short a player.