Kane Johnson - 2009

[johnson2richo2003]

This will be Kane's last year regardless.

Kane has been better than he has been treated on here for us. He's served many roles for us, that while may have been more a sign of the poor or raw experience of our list, where none the less required.

His main role of late aside from the leadership stakes was being a strong bodied midfielder to assist our light weights in the hustle and bustle of the centre square. He has performed well in that area. No, he has not been one of the leagues elite midfielders but he has served as "big brother" for our kids easily pushed off the ball.

This off season in particular we have recruited a lot of muscle/grunt ready to play (Thomson, Hislop, Cousins) and have players like Coglan hoping to contribute. Polo, Connors, and some of the kids will be pushing (the forgotten man Rainsy anyone?) as well as the outside types you need and elite runners like Edwards.

All spells for Johnson out of the midfield I hope and honestly believe will happen. If he is fit I don't seem him left out of the side, his experience and leadership will have Wallace playing him off a bench i suspect and when on the field, I agree with Leysy it will likely be in forward roles and I still personally think, occassionally helping out with rotations only if required (due to attrition).

He could still be a very good tagging option also for the right type of opponent in the midfield. He's a much better tagger than he's been given credit for on here when he is 100%.

I've long been a supporter of Kane, he's been the victim of having been over payed for and asked to play in roles that didn't best suit his game for the needs of our raw side. His time has passed however, best reason being for the development of our side, which must always come first unless playing in a final. He must be played in a Riccardi type role now off the bench.

I have no doubt he will retire at the end of the year, it won't come to him being delisted. I expect he will become a assistant coach somewhere.

Well said brother

 

[Phar Ace]

What makes people on here think that a player who has'nt played for a couple of years and coming off two re-co's (Coughlan) and two discards who have barely played senior football (Hislop & Thompson) are gonna automatically force KJ out of the side. He is still one of our best players (albeit slower and in a different role) and a super leader of young men. Until the above players prove they are better and KJ's output falls below theirs, THEY will start at Coburg and force their way into the side. Until then, KJ has a spot in our best 22.

As for Cuz, lets see how he plays. Right at this point in time, KJ is in ahead of Cuz also.

With you there Azza! As much as I'm pro the potential of Hislop and Thomson, and hope that Cuz can do some of what he did, potential and hope don't replace Johnson, YET!

Agree with DD, if Kane doesn't play for form or injury, it will be spelled out as injury or rest. Johnson may well become a better player in 2009, without the mantle of Captain - at least that's what I'm expecting. You lose pace, you don't lose class. I expect a minor revival in Kane - have a great 2009!

 

[Tigers of Old]

Sugar currently has a spot in the 22.

Up to others this season to p[ry him out but wishful thinking won't cut it.

 

[Jason King]

Is too slow to be first pick of the midfield tagging rotation, but he does get the job done. Newman will need Kanes leadership help for a while i reckon.

 

[wayne]

We laughed when Kane kicked the ball the wrong way against Carlton in Rd 1 2007.

That's been our gameplan for 2 years and 7 rounds now!