Sunday Shout: Stevie J’s premiership tip and what AFL rule he would change

Steve Johnson has long been known for having one of the more astute football brains in the game. And the AFL legend is all-in on one smoky coming from nowhere to claim the 2025 premiership.

A wizard with the ball in hand. Steve “Stevie J” Johnson has long been respected for having one of the more astute football brains in the game.

Johnson, 42, played 293 games (253 at Geelong, 40 for GWS) and booted 516 goals between 2002-17. He now coaches Newtown & Chilwell in the Geelong Football League.

JA: You are a student of Australian Rules Stevie, so who wins this year’s AFL Premiership?

SJ: I tipped Adelaide six weeks ago and have seen nothing since to change my mind. They have most areas covered, a really good balance. A strong defence, their ability to move the ball and counter-attack. And I like defenders such as Jordon Butts, Max Michalanney, Josh Worrell, Mark Keane and Dan Curtin.

Steve Johnson is loving what he’s seeing from the Crows. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

JA: How do you rate their coach Matthew Nicks?

SJ: He has got through the pressure and criticism that young coaches making their way get, and now has the respect of everyone in football with a game plan capable of beating anyone.

JA: As an aesthetically pleasing player on the eye, who do you like to watch in today’s game?

SJ: Definitely Izak Rankine. And Chad Warner is someone I saw first-hand at Sydney, the way he explodes from contests. And Toby Greene, who I have a really strong relationship with, is my favourite player.

JA: Is the game in good shape?

SJ: The competition has never been stronger and there has never been a better top 50 players in the game, even if the depth in the AFL is tested.

JA: What’s life look like for you today?

SJ: After three years as an assistant coach with Sydney, I spent two at GWS before two seasons with Yarrawonga in the Ovens and Murray where we won one flag from two Grand Finals.

Johnson played with Greene at GWS. Picture: Michael Klein

JA: And now you are coaching a promising young team named Newtown Chilwell in the Geelong Football League?

SJ: You could argue the GFL is the best competition outside the VFL. Newtown Chilwell hasn’t won a flag in 39 years so I’m hoping we can change that over the next two or three years.

JA: Do you still have a lingering desire to get back into the AFL system?

SJ: Potentially. We have three children (a boy and a girl) aged between 7-13 and I now get the chance to watch them play their sport every weekend. Could I do that as an AFL assistant coach? And the wages for assistant coaches don’t necessarily outweigh what is a better work/life balance.

JA: What is the best pathway to AFL coaching?

SJ: John Longmire told me “if you want to improve your coaching, go and coach your own team”.

JA: You came through one of the great drafts in 2001. Was there a standout player?

SJ: I always thought Luke Ball was the best player I saw at junior level. He was the best around a contest, and best on both sides of his body.

The Cats legend now coaches at GFL side Newtown & Chilwell. Picture: Mark Wilson

JA: How do you rate your old team Geelong this year?

SJ: They will be in contention, will finish in the top four and like they almost always do, give their supporters opportunities at the business end of the season.

JA: Is there anything in the game you would change?

SJ: I would look at getting rid of prior opportunity rule in a tackle. I think you would get more flow and less stoppage because the players would know if they are going to take control of the ball, they would need to absorb pressure and get rid of it.

CUT THE SPIN, HUTCHY

If you were trying to make sense of Craig Hutchison’s mumbo-jumbo during the week when explaining the sackings of Daniel Harford and Michael Felgate from RSN, think dollars.

Hutchison claimed “it’s not about the quality of the shows, they’re both magnificent, (but) we’re going to be investing in racing …. we want to invest in content”.

Which made sense until he then said SEN all-sports shows, and not dedicated racing programs, would be replacing Harford’s nine-year breakfast program. Cut the spin “Hutchy” and cut to the chase.

Craig Hutchison. Pic: Sam D'Agostino

WET AND WILD BRISBANE NOT JUST IMPACTING PLAYERS

After Brisbane’s clash against Western Bulldogs was almost delayed due to stormy weather, you could be forgiven to think lightning surely won’t strike twice.

But don’t tell Fox Footy’s Gerard Whateley that.

The esteemed commentator barely made it to the Gabba for Friday night’s game after his flight from Melbourne was cancelled.

To make matters worse, his flight back to Melbourne was cancelled again, meaning he was late to his spot on SEN’s Crunch Time.

“They did the double! Cancelled both flights,” he laughed once he arrived on the show.

Lions v Dogs AFL Full Time

PIES GIVE BACK

They are superstars on the field, but it turns out the Magpies are superstars off it as well.

In an attempt to keep things in “perspective”, a large contingent of Collingwood guns volunteer at the Magpie Nest Cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to Melbourne’s homeless, as well as other services.

“It just gives you a perspective of how fortunate we are, not just playing here at Collingwood and in the AFL, but more broadly in society,” Ned Long said.

Collingwood's Ned Long helping in the Magpie Nest Cafe

“People are going through some tough times and to share a few moments with them, it’s nice to be able to do that.”

The Magpie Nest provides more than 104,000 free meals per year – more than the attendance at last year’s grand final.

Collingwood is bringing the Magpie Nest Cafe to the MCG on Sunday, with 500 clients of the cafe heading to the Fremantle game for a warm meal.

Players and staff regularly volunteer their time to help prepare meals, serve food and assist the Cafe staff.

Visit community.collingwoodfc.com.au to donate to the Magpie Nest Cafe.

Originally published as Sunday Shout: Stevie J’s premiership tip and what AFL rule he would change