Collingwood veteran Ben Johnson is refusing to let a serious shoulder injury end his AFL season and plans to return before the finals.

Johnson, 31, had reconstructive surgery at the start of May. The 2010 premiership wingman is in the early stages of kicking and marking and aims to resume in the AFL in round 22 on August 25.

“I went to ‘Bucks’ (coach Nathan Buckley) to remind him that with every long-term injury I’ve had, I’ve come back pretty well,” Johnson told the afl.com.au website on Thursday.

“I’m confident of coming back and playing well. I’ve just got to make sure the fitness is there and the shoulder strength is there.

“I’ll hopefully play a couple of VFL games and I’d like to be back for the West Coast game or, at the latest, Essendon (in round 23) to get a game in before finals.”

Johnson had 56 disposals in rounds 17 and 18 last year in his first two games back from a hamstring injury and was among Collingwood’s best in their grand-final loss to Geelong.

The 227-game veteran is keen to go around next year.

“If they want me, it would be great,” the out-of-contract Magpie said.

“I’m 31, I’ve had a few injuries and it’s business so I totally understand either way.”