Sydney Swans inspiration Alex Johnson to undergo surgery
NINE days after another knee heartbreak, Sydney Swans star Alex Johnson will undergo surgery in the first big step towards deciding whether he plays again.
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SYDNEY Swans heartbreak kid Alex Johnson will go under the knife today at the hands of the surgeon who previously saved his AFL career.
Nine days after the devastation of a sixth ruptured knee, a successful operation today in Melbourne could be a key factor in Johnson’s looming decision over whether or not he will attempt yet another brave comeback.
As the inspirational star contemplates his next big step on and off the field, it’s a question of how much can one man stand.
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Will the trauma of another major surgery prompt him to retire? Or will he simply do what he’s done five times before and boldly head to the rehabilitation den and fight his way back?
Johnson will be treated by internationally renowned knee surgeon Julian Feller, who in 2015 told the then 23-year-old he could get him back on the park with a bone graft and reconstructive surgery.
At the time Johnson had consulted five surgeons, three who had recommended retirement, yet Feller gave the defender hope.
Nobody knows what Johnson’s thought process has been since his latest career-threatening setback at the MCG two Sundays ago.
However, the fact there has been no announcement over his playing future to date suggests he may be at least waiting to see what the medical prognosis is post-surgery.
Johnson’s previous five operations have been on his left knee, but this time it’s his right leg and therefore the goalposts are slightly different.
Feller is a man Johnson trusts implicitly.
Teammate Zak Jones revealed Johnson has carried on like its business as usual, as players try to support their friend in every way possible.
“It’s important that we support him and stay around him as much as we can, and as much as he wants us to be around him,” said Jones.
“You’ve got to be there to support him and he’ll have his family and friends. It’s important we stay in contact with him.”
As revealed by The Daily Telegraph, Johnson was back in Swans’ offices on Tuesday last week, less than 48 hours after his shattering injury at the MCG.
Jones said Johnson provided enormous strength to Swans teammates, simply by being there.
“It’s pretty funny, after a sixth knee reconstruction that he needed to have, you would have thought you would be pretty flat and need your own space and want to be around yourself,” said Jones.
“But it shows the character of Alex that he comes around the club, shows up and speaks to the boys. He tries to get everyone up and about. It shows his character as a person that he cares about the football club.
“He just acted normal and brought his normal energy. It’s inspiring for the boys to be around him.
“I can’t believe it. It just shows his resilience.”