James McDonald-v-Brad Johnson

[jayceebee31 761]

If we were in the same position as Western Bulldogs and wanting to challenge for the flag, I am not sure we would have urged Junior to retire. We would have rolled the dice and risked another year.

Here is an article in the Age on Johnsons retirement

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/brad-johnson-makes-his-retirement-official-20100906-14wwt.html

"Johnson has played 362 games since his debut in 1994. Famously hardy, he played a minimum of 21 games in every season from 1995 to 2009, but ankle and achilles injuries have kept him to just 13 matches in 2010."

"In 2009, he kicked 37 goals, was second at the club for kicks, marks and goals and finished fourth in the best and fairest award as the Dogs pushed to within seven points of a grand final berth. He was amongst his team's best players in the heartbreaking preliminary final loss to St Kilda."

Betweeen them, Akermanis and Johnson contributed 80 goals to the Bulldogs cause in 2009, and 11 this year. Recruit Barry Hall, 33, has booted 75 majors.

So who had their hand up that Johnson should have retired last year???

Johnson retires from WB as a one of greatest players ever to play for the Club. His record makes him a great of the AFL. Its a misguided and poorly informed slap at him. If anything Johnson has as much ticker for his club as Junior or Neita.

What ready alternatives are there to Johnson, a proven finals campaigner?? Stack and Hill are as "firm" as warm butter and Everitt cant crack a game throughout the year even when the side has been struggling. Says heaps.

There have been a number of things that have gone wrong at WB this year. Johnson's injury being one of them. There performance against the Pies (sans Hudson and Griffen) was poor and I dont know why Johnsons cops the spray. He deserves better from all football followers.

Good points again RR -however just concerened we have the leadership to step up next year.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Very suprised, The same attitude saw the demise of Neile Daniher.

Hardly, Eade is trying to conjure a flag within his window of opportunity. Its not looking good atm. Eade would not survive to do a re build of the side.

[H_T 3,049]

That is very suprising.

I think everyone would agree that wouldn't of been a good idea.

Most would, given Johnson's own admission having gone through a seemingly endless and ongoing achilles injury and knowingly admitting to the signs his body was telling him. Eade is holding on tight.

[jayceebee31 761]

Most would, given Johnson's own admission having gone through a seemingly endless and ongoing achilles injury and knowingly admitting to the signs his body was telling him. Eade is holding on tight.

Jiohnson is well passed his used by date- Junior could definately played for at least a season..

[Chook 15,013]

Jiohnson is well passed his used by date- Junior could definately played for at least a season..

Can you imagine a Bulldogs supporter saying something like that at the end of last year? I can. Who knows what next year might have brought for McDonald. James won't ever have the stigma of "playing too long" hanging over his head. Can you say the same for Brad Johnson?

[Sir Why You Little 37,054]

Jiohnson is well passed his used by date- Junior could definately played for at least a season..

I don't think so. I think the MFC made the right call with Junior-His 6 week Hammy was the sign to move on. Sure he could have played on next year, But at what contribution level??

The Game is still getting quicker each year.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Jiohnson is well passed his used by date- Junior could definately played for at least a season..

Johnson at the end of 2009 > McDonald at the end of 2010.

[Rogue 585]

Players don't have a 'right' to choose their time of departure, no matter how good.

Johnson went on too long, but the WB were right to 'roll the dice' - as RR put it - on Aker, Johnson, etc.

Eade should go to Essendon while he can still land a senior coaching role.