AFL 2024: Geelong legend Steve Johnson hospitalised after life-threatening incident

Geelong premiership hero Steve Johnson was rushed to hospital after suffering a potential life-threatening puncture wound in a freak accident involving a sharp knife.

Steve Johnson was rushed to hospital after a freak accident with a knife. Picture: Colleen Petch.

Champion Geelong forward Steve Johnson has escaped a life-threatening wound to his stomach after a freak accident involving a sharp knife.

The former superstar goal kicker was rushed to Wangaratta hospital on Monday night after suffering a deep wound to his stomach when a knife in a bag he was carrying punctured his abdomen.

Johnson was opening a gate at his property when a knife made contact with the gate and protruded through the bag and into his stomach.

The man, who kicked 516 goals across 293 games for Geelong and GWS and is regarded as one of the greatest players of the modern era, is lucky to be alive.

A neighbour who was a nurse tended to Johnson at his home and helped apply pressure to the deep wound which was bleeding profusely.

Thankfully, the surgical team at the hospital was able to prepare quickly after receiving a life-saving call from the nurse to get ready for a patient with a deep stomach wound.

Steve Johnson with the premiership trophy. Picture: Tony Gough

Steve Johnson during his time with GWS. Picture: AAP/Julian Smith

Johnson, who suffered damage to his bowel, remained in hospital on Tuesday night. He is expected to make a full recovery.

It was a scary incident for the 2007 Norm Smith Medallist and popular Triple M commentator who also underwent surgery on his knee this year to straighten his leg following a string of serious leg injuries over his glittering career.

The gun matchwinner, who won three premierships throughout a glorious reign at Geelong, also led Yarrawonga to the Ovens and Murray senior premiership last year as senior coach .

Johnson had taken training on Tuesday night before he helped take his family water skiing for a family birthday.

The knife in the bag was covered by a plastic case but was sharp enough to pierce the cover and the bag and slice open his stomach upon contact with the gate.