I think this needs its own thread.
There aren't too many players where I am genuinely worried about getting emotional for their last game, but Johnno is one. He's been a favourite of mine (and I suspect most) for a really long time.
I wrote a few years ago that people talk a lot about courage in footy, mostly in terms of standing under the ball, and sometimes about gut-running. Johnno would go back with the flight, but he also had the courage to take a risk, back his judgment, take a little bit of time and hit a player with a pass in the middle of the park. He was willing to look like a goose occasionally when he stuffed it up, but he had the awareness, skills and composure to make it happen way more often than not. That combination of courage, conviction and skill is so rare, and, in my view, undervalued.
He always struck me as the leader of the best backline we've ever had (though McPharlin would have a claim to be its best player), and I always felt more comfortable when he was there. Settling into that role as an intercept tall who could rebound but also switch onto key forwards when required really unlocked the potential in that group, and elevated his career and the team. I was so glad to have seen him consistently play at his best for a number of years there.
I know he had a couple of off-field incidents, but that always made him seem more human to me. I think the club handled both situations pretty well, and the benefit was keeping a great player and, by all reports a great person at the club. It's important to remember that we all make mistakes and are greater than the dumbest things we do.
Thanks Johnno, it's been a pleasure. Be sure to give our guys a point in the right direction in your last game. Purple Jesus knows our team, and club, could use some guidance from an old head these days.
