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Steve Johnson ignites GWS Giants, excites fans against Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium

WATCH: STEVE Johnson didn’t waste any time in making his presence felt in his first final as a Giant while there’s bad news for Rising Star Callum Mills.

Dan Hannebery and Steve Johnson get up close and personal. Picture: Toby Zerna
Dan Hannebery and Steve Johnson get up close and personal. Picture: Toby Zerna

STEVE Johnson didn’t waste any time in making his presence felt in a fiery start to his first final in Giants colours.

He is certain to come under review from the match review panel after he caught Swans midfield gun Josh Kennedy high with what looked like contact with his shoulder.

Kennedy hit the deck and was slow to his feet before leaving the ground for a concussion test.

Johnson was everywhere in the early stages igniting GWS when he took on Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh and All-Australian Dane Rampe, fended both of them off and found Toby Greene inside forward 50.

However, there was bad news for Rising Star Callum Mills.

Steve Johnson and Buddy Franklin scuffle at quarter-time. Picture: Toby Zerna
Steve Johnson and Buddy Franklin scuffle at quarter-time. Picture: Toby Zerna

The Sydney young gun injured his hamstring in the first half and was reportedly in tears in the rooms after learning his game was over.

Fellow Swan Kurt Tippett was also in the hands of the trainers early after taking a shot to the jaw in a ruck contest.

Despite the battering it was the Swans who settled quickest in the opening with Tom Papley scoring the first two goals of the match before GWS hit back with majors from Jeremy Cameron, Devon Smith and Toby Green to lead by a point at the first change.

Originally published as Steve Johnson ignites GWS Giants, excites fans against Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/teams/gws/steve-johnson-ignites-gws-giants-excites-fans-against-sydney-swans-at-anz-stadium/news-story/1fed4c932f6a6278c57b5a6eaec50384