THIS is the X-Factor against the Y-Factor. Or perhaps more accurately, the new generation X-Factor.
It’s Johnson, the 12-year 213-gamer, against Wingard, the two-year 42-gamer. A three-time All-Australian against a future All-Australian.
And yet despite their contrasting levels of experience these two fill a similar role in their respective sides as that creative half-forward who pushes into the midfield and will be critical to the outcome of Friday night’s knockout semi-final.
Steve Johnson
Steve Johnson is a player who elevates the Geelong performance and is a potential match-winner every time he steps over the white line. A game-breaker who will invariably do the unexpected to create a scoring opportunity, or hit the scoreboard himself with his exquisite finishing skills.
He’s often the guy who sets up the much-acclaimed ‘Geelong Highway’ because he’s prepared to take the option of the difficult or risky kick back into the central corridor to bust open the play in preference to the safe, easy option outside.
“Johnno” is not often tagged because he’s such a difficult player to combat. He can tear you apart in the forward line and yet be just as effective on ball. No doubt Ken Hinkley will have taken notice of the fact that, after having 12 possessions and two goals in a brilliant first quarter against Fremantle last week, Johnson was contained by the human blanket Ryan Crowley.
On that basis you’d expect Port to try and tag him from the outset this week. He smashed the Power last time with 32 disposals so will be a target. There’s no choice but Dom Cassisi because of his ability to play last line of defence and midfield. Cassisi did a good job last week on Collingwood ace Scott Pendlebury, so he seems the obvious pick.
Chad Wingard
He’s a young player who has added attitude and competitiveness to his unquestioned football prowess. Such has been his year I’ll be surprised if he’s not chosen next week in the All-Australian side – an astonishing achievement for a second-year player.
As a former Brisbane coach I visited Wingard and his parents at their home ahead of the 2011 AFL Draft and was really impressed. He had an air of confidence about him, and was such a determined young kid who knew what he wanted and knew where he was going.
Port must still be amazed at how lucky they were he slipped through to them at No.6 behind Greater Western Sydney selections Jonathon Patton, Stephen Coniglio, Dom Tyson, Will Hoskin-Elliott and Matt Buntine.
He’s converted confidence into performance this year, and what I like most about him is how he relishes the big challenges and wants to be involved when things are on the line, and when stakes are highest. The bigger the stage the more exciting it is for him. He shies away from nothing.
Wingard doesn’t spend a lot of time on the ball – he plays mostly at half-forward – but he’s got a good work-rate and wants to get involved. He is no passenger. He’s got an uncanny sense of getting where the ball is. He only needs one step to steady for his finish so he will hurt the Cats if left to his own devices.
He’ll probably get Taylor Hunt if, as I expect, he comes into the Geelong side for Corey Enright, or Cameron Guthrie.
Verdict
Is this a live choice, or a choice for the future? If it’s for this week only I’d probably stick with the old head Johnson – just - because you never know what he’s going to do next. But Wingard is going to be dominating the AFL for the next decade. I’d happily take second pick because you won’t lose.
What's Your Verdict?
