Former Western Bulldogs star Brad Johnson to join Geelong coaching staff

JUST days after Barry Hall accepted a specialist coaching role, another former champion has signed on to help an AFL club on a part-time basis.

Former Western Bulldogs star Brad Johnson.

FORMER Western Bulldogs star and Fox Footy commentator Brad Johnson will take a part-time coaching role with Geelong.

Johnson, who lives in the Geelong area, will work with the club’s small and medium forwards on a temporary basis.

Johnson becomes the second champion of his era to take on a part-time role as a specialist forwards coach in recent days, with Gold Coast employing Barry Hall — also a Fox Footy fixture — to mentor its forwards.

Johnson’s position, at this stage, is only temporary and will go from now until mid-January. It is possible that it will be extended and he will work a couple of days a week with the forwards.

The former Dog has been the coach of the AFL Academy for several years. Geelong’s forward coach will remain James Rahilly.

Johnson spent the latter stages of his career playing as a permanent forward, where he topped the club’s goalkicking three times between 2005 and 2007. He was a renowned overhead mark for a mid-sized to small player.

In a statement, the Cats confirmed the appointment.

“Geelong is a club I have always respected and I’m looking forward to working with the coaching staff and the players in the pre-season,” Johnson said in the media release.

“I’ve been made very welcome by everyone here. The Cats have some exciting young players, especially in the forward line, and I’m excited about helping them in their development.”

Originally published as Former Western Bulldogs star Brad Johnson to join Geelong coaching staff