Steve Johnson’s goals and guidance have had a profound impact on AFL club Greater Western Sydney, according to key forward Jeremy Cameron.
Cameron was full of praise for Johnson following the Giants’ 75-point win over reigning premiers Hawthorn on Saturday.
Johnson, who won three flags with Geelong before being handed a career lifeline by the Giants, booted five first-half goals against the Hawks.
Cameron noted the 32-year-old’s impact on the club has gone far beyond the moments of on-field brilliance.
“He’s doing it all at the moment. He’s playing some really good footy,” Cameron told AAP.
“But to have his leadership up forward has been great.
“To have him siting in meetings has been really good. We’ve always had experience in other lines, but not so much the forward line.”
Cameron’s words will come as no great shock to Geelong’s 2007 Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel, who played in four grand finals alongside Johnson.
“You see after every goal, when they flash to the Giants’ forward line, he’s setting them up and talking them through it,” Bartel told the Seven Network.
“Lots of instruction. He’s a bit of an on-field coach.
“It (Johnson’s influence) is more than the goals but he’s kicking quite a few of them at the moment.”
The Giants next face Fremantle, in Perth on Saturday.
GWS, chasing a maiden finals berth, currently sit a game outside the top four with a 4-2 record.