Steve Johnson has become the king of reinvention – from misbehaving larrikin to premiership star; from Cat to Giant – and he's been at the heart of two of the most remarkable AFL teams of modern times: the great Geelong triple-premiership side, and the coming juggernaut of Greater Western Sydney.
A country boy with a very distinct waddle who had to defeat his doubters to make it to the AFL, Steve Johnson – or Stevie J as he is affectionately known – is famous for his ability to reinvent himself. From troubled talent to AFL superstar, this is a story of redemption: of a larrikin with a competitive spirit that drove him to become one of the most successful and watchable players of the modern era.
After overcoming a range of obstacles, Stevie J was at the heart of the team that turned around the fortunes of the Geelong Football Club, transforming the culture and breaking a 44-year premiership drought. This is a full account of how he was able to earn back the respect of his teammates in an extremely challenging period, transforming him into one of the most respected players in the game – and a Norm Smith medallist.
Following his heartbreak of leaving the Cats at the end of 2015, after three premierships and three All-Australian selections, he’s been part of the rising juggernaut of Greater Western Sydney. Stevie’s brought energy, experience and his second-to-none football brain to the young Giants, helping to turn them into a true force to be reckoned with.
Born and raised in Wangaratta, Steve Johnson was selected by Geelong with pick 24 in the 2001 Draft. During his thirteen seasons with the Cats, Steve Johnson was a member of Geelong's 2007, 2009 and 2011 premiership sides, the 2007 Norm Smith Medallist and a three-time All Australian. He kicked 452 goals for Geelong and led the club’s goal-kicking in 2008 and 2010. Johnson joined the Greater Western Sydney Giants at the end of 2015.
