Steve Johnson trade has been a win-win for GWS and Geelong, says Cats coach Chris Scott

CHRIS Scott believes the decision to jettison Steve Johnson can be a win-win equation, adamant Geelong didn’t err by delisting the Norm Smith medallist.

CHRIS Scott believes the decision to jettison Steve Johnson can be a win-win equation, adamant Geelong didn’t err by delisting the Norm Smith medallist.

Johnson is in All-Australian form, kicking five goals in a half against Hawthorn for a tally of 16 goals while averaging 22 possessions.

In his most prolific season when he kicked 63 goals in 2010 he had 17 goals after six rounds.

But Scott said the decision to move on Johnson was not purely about talent, hopeful both GWS and the Cats can prosper from a tough decision.

He said he believed Dan Menzel can recapture the form he showed before four knee reconstructions, also thrilled by small forward Lincoln McCarthy’s excellent year.

“If you asked me I would like to keep those champions until they are absolutely ready to finish,’’ Scott said on Sunday.

“The realities of list management don’t allow that. There are more considerations than just opportunities for young players.

There are TPP (total player payment issues), there is long-term planning.

“I would like to think there is an opportunity to get a win-win situation from a really difficult situation.

“There doesn’t have to be a winner and a loser out of that situation.

“I have never been one to underrate Steve Johnson. I would just say that I am pleased for him.”

Steve Johnson kicked five goals against the Hawks. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Johnson had told the Cats he believed his body was improving after some niggles early in 2015, and said he felt in fantastic shape.

“I wouldn’t have played on if I didn’t think I would be capable of playing a decent role,’’ he said.

“I wasn’t coming up here for any other reason than playing good footy and I still felt I had a bit in me in.

“Physically I am in as good a shape as I have been, but it’s only early.

“I have got a real sense something special is building and it’s great I am able to play a small part in it.”

Johnson joked to ex-teammate Jimmy Bartel on ABC Radio he was aware the Cats players would be watching him.

“Yeah, I was thinking 10. I am human. You do think about that. I thought you might have been in the loungeroom. Once I knew you guys were going out for the warm-up I thought I would save the legs for next week.”

Johnson, 33 in July, joked he tried to hit up departing list manager Graeme Allen for another contract in his last day at the club.

But he believes he has been mentally refreshed by the change and is enjoying a friendlier climate with regular dips in Sydney’s beaches.

Scott told 3AW there was no reason Menzel couldn’t be one of the game’s best medium-sized forwards.

“I feel like he’s just starting his journey. He looked as quick and powerful as I have seen him since he was an 18-year-old playing in 2011 last night which is a great sign.

“He was clearly in our best side heading into the 2011 finals series, he kicked five goals against the best team in the comp in the last home-and-away round and it was all as an 18-year old.

“So it’s great for our supporters to see performances like last night.”