AJ Watch

[stevoswan]

That photo of AJ with Nic Newman makes me really sad......

Really nice article by Richard Hinds here: Alex Johnson's comeback provides only a taste of what could have been before his body again betrays him - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

I teared up again reading it......in the cold light of the next day, AJ's plight is really quite depressing. I really feel for him. It's just cruel.....and you can see in the photo, no one in the crowd, Swans and Dees fans alike, are happy about what they are seeing.......

[mcs]

The last thing I want to see is any player given a role within the club due to empathy or goodwill.
Best person gets the job, period.

I get what your saying CTS, but I'm sure they will find AJ a good role at the club that will fit him should this be the end for his playing career.

A number of people at the club have spoken very positively around the work he has done during his extensive periods of recovery in various roles at the club - so I'm sure there will be a good fit for him somewhere.

A footy club, while a commercial and professional organisation, shouldn't sell its soul in pursuit of those aims either.

[CureTheSane]

I get what your saying CTS, but I'm sure they will find AJ a good role at the club that will fit him should this be the end for his playing career.

A number of people at the club have spoken very positively around the work he has done during his extensive periods of recovery in various roles at the club - so I'm sure there will be a good fit for him somewhere.

A footy club, while a commercial and professional organisation, shouldn't sell its soul in pursuit of those aims either.

I think the club have supported him exceptionally over the last 6 years.
Other clubs would have kicked him to the curb.
Says a lot about the club and the best example of the culture that is often talking about.

I don't mind if the Swans find a role for him, so long as he is not only qualified for that role, but the best candidate for it as well.
If it is the end of his career, it's likely time to move on with his life.
Chances are he won't want to be hanging around the club any more.

Jamie Lawson, Garrenth John. Bad things happen, life goes on.
That sounds cold, and it is not meant that way. Just presenting a different POV.

[KTigers]

The last thing I want to see is any player given a role within the club due to empathy or goodwill.
Best person gets the job, period.

Yeah, well, I'm not sure that always happens CTS. The reality is there many organisations (footy clubs, businesses etc) where there are quite
a few people who have roles due to empathy and/or goodwill. It's not the worst thing in the world. If you can afford it, it's ok to show a bit of
largesse from time to time. I think Alex has benefitted from that from the club over the last six years, and hopefully that situation
continues and he remains committed to an AFL career. Like I said, he's only 26, there will be plenty of time later to do other stuff.

[0918330512]

I think the club have supported him exceptionally over the last 6 years.
Other clubs would have kicked him to the curb.
Says a lot about the club and the best example of the culture that is often talking about.

I don't mind if the Swans find a role for him, so long as he is not only qualified for that role, but the best candidate for it as well.
If it is the end of his career, it's likely time to move on with his life.
Chances are he won't want to be hanging around the club any more.

Jamie Lawson, Garrenth John. Bad things happen, life goes on.
That sounds cold, and it is not meant that way. Just presenting a different POV.

Jamie Lawson stayed on as a runner with the Swans
Gareth John went to North

Both continued to be involved with football at the elite level in some capacity after their bad things

[AnnieH]

Can't understand why Newman is crying! It's devastating mate, but it's only football.

Poor AJ.
Hands up who saw this coming?

[CureTheSane]

Jamie Lawson stayed on as a runner with the Swans
Gareth John went to North

Both continued to be involved with football at the elite level in some capacity after their bad things

Yeah, and for those kinds of roles I have no issues if that is what the ex-player wants.
I'm talking about the more 'technical' roles.

Who would have thought that Tom Harley would have got to where he has so quickly.
That wasn't through hand ups, it was because he had the smarts for it.

Regardless, somewhat pointless conversation until we get to the end of the season and see what AJ does.
I'd love to see him back, but I'd hate to see him back and then injured AGAIN.

[707]

Can't understand why Newman is crying! It's devastating mate, but it's only football.

You're too tough Annie, I've teared up a couple of times over this! Nic Newman is a very decent human being

[mcs]

Can't understand why Newman is crying! It's devastating mate, but it's only football.

Poor AJ.
Hands up who saw this coming?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing Annie - not sure there is the need for the throwaway old playground 'told you so' line...

I'm happy to see some emotion in our game - far too many players these days are like robots going through the motions.

[AnnieH]

I'm not tough, I'm just very cynical.

Sure, it's heartbreaking for AJ, and yes, it impacts on the rest of the team.
He's a great kid... I'd like to see the club keep him around - maybe a runner, maybe the academy.

[Mel]

Can't understand why Newman is crying! It's devastating mate, but it's only football.

Well, I was gutted and shed many a tear when he hobbled off and then after the game when the boys got around him again. AJ was/is a favourite of mine and having gone through many rehabs myself at the grass roots level for various injuries, I can't only begin to imagine what he's been through. Clearly the players who have seen him working his butt of physically and battling through it mentally could all feel for him. If I'd seen one of my best mate's dream go up in smoke after working for years to make it happen, I'd be pretty distraught and upset too.

[YvonneH]

Can't understand why Newman is crying! It's devastating mate, but it's only football.

Poor AJ.
Hands up who saw this coming?

I cried and I don't even know AJ. Nic sees him around the club almost every day.

[baskin]

AnnieH,
Nic & AJ are close friends not just team mates. What's wrong with crying for your friends when they are dealt a blow? It just shows how close they are and the regard they have for each other.

[barry]

Does anyone know how many players at the swans have previous ACL injuries.
Allir, nainsmith, ?

[stevoswan]

Can't understand why Newman is crying! It's devastating mate, but it's only football.

Poor AJ.
Hands up who saw this coming?

That's cold......