Steve Johnson excited for chance to coach close to home this season

A mastermind on the field, Geelong hero Steve Johnson reveals his inspiration to coach in local footy and how it could help him return to AFL coaching boxes.

Geelong great Steve Johnson harbours ambitions to return to an AFL coaches’ box.

But, for now, he is following his heart home.

In 2023 Johnson will guide Ovens and Murray league powerhouse Yarrawonga.

It will be first time the three-time AFL premiership star and Norm Smith Medallist takes the reins as a senior coach, at any level.

Johnson returns to Victoria after spending the last five years as an AFL assistant with the two Sydney clubs.

Steve Johnson, with Sydney Swans fans, was an assistant coach at the two AFL clubs in Sydney. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

He’s signed a two-year deal with the Pigeons and felt the time was right for a change.

“I was moving back to Victoria with my family and I grew up around the area,” Johnson, who played his junior football in Wangaratta, said.

“It was appealing when they called me up because I know it is such a strong club.

“It was appealing because we could be back around family where we’ve never had any family support (after being away) during my time since having kids 11 years ago.”

Johnson admits getting out of the AFL system also has its benefits.

“I think assistant coaches have had their challenges over the past few years and I actually wanted to spend more time with my family and watch my kids play sport,” he revealed.

“It gives me the flexibility to do that.

“The appeal to coach my own team is also something I consider great for my development if I want to pursue a job in the AFL (in the future).”

The pressure is set to be on Johnson’s team to perform this season.

In many people’s eyes, Yarrawonga are the premiership favourites.

The Pigeons fell in last year’s decider to the Ben Reid coached Wangaratta, although the Magpies were earlier this week stripped of the premiership due to salary cap breaches.

“I’ve stepped into a club that is really well built and has got great people and a great culture,” Johnson said.

“Part of my role is just trying to pass on as much knowledge I’ve learnt in my time in football at AFL level and in some ways tinker with the game plan which is already pretty good.

“The players are almost semi professional with the way they go about it.

“I’ve been so impressed by the standard of the training and the players we have at the club and I’m looking forward to hopefully being up there again competing on grand final day looking for a premiership.”

Former Carlton player Michael Gibbons has stayed at the Pigeons after playing for the club last year. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

The club has lost Will and Jack Sexton to the Northern Bullants and Southport in the VFL but have gained Matt Casey from Balwyn and Cameron Wilson from Corowa.

Former Carlton player Michael Gibbons remains with the club after playing for the Pigeons last season following his AFL delisting.

Johnson said he wanted the Pigeons to build on last year but focus on some changes he’d implemented in the off-season.

“I’ve spoken to the players about trying to play an exciting brand of football,” he said.

“It’s what supporters love to come and watch, a team that tries to hit the scoreboard as often as possible.”

Steve Johnson, playing for Geelong in 2015, is one of a handful of players from the 2007 premiership team to remain in football. Picture: AAP Image/Joe Castro.

Johnson said his team needed to be strong in contested ball and in defence to get on top in what will be a competitive competition.

“Everyone is probably talking about Yarrawonga but there are other teams who have recruited well and will be competing for the flag,” he said.

The new Pigeons coach, who is a three-time All Australian, will not be the only former Geelong player to hone his craft in country footy in 2023.

Norm Smith Medallist Paul Chapman is in his second year of coaching Kyneton in the Bendigo league.

Johnson hasn’t spoken to Chapman about what it’s like to coach country footy.

Instead, he’s turned to former Collingwood star Mick McGuane, who has enjoyed remarkable success with Essendon District league powerhouse Keilor.

“The one person I did make contact with to find out what type of things I need to be aware of is Mick McGuane,” he said.

“I know he has been a successful coach at local level for a long time.

“I certainly touched base with him to get some advice on what it is like to coach at local level.”

From the Cats’ 2007 premiership team, more than three quarters of the players who played are still involved in football.

They are either coaches, assistant coaches, involved in AFL clubs in other roles or key players in the media.

Johnson said it’s no surprise the players from the grand final winning team have stayed in footy.

“If you look at any successful club in the past 20 years there’s always a lot of spin off of players who stay involved in the game and go into coaching or have media opportunities,” he said.

“Bottom line is we were a team who loved our footy.

“We didn't do it as a job, we did it as a passion so to be able to stay involved in the game is something you feel privileged to do.”

Johnson and the Pigeons take on Albury, led by former Richmond and Gold Coast player Anthony Miles, on April 9 in their season opener.

Originally published as Steve Johnson excited for chance to coach close to home this season