Steve Johnson was entitled to a few celebratory beers on Saturday night. A career-high, six goals against the reigning premier is no mean feat, especially for a 20-year-old in just his second AFL season.
Problem was, he and his teammates were not exactly in the mood to celebrate after being whipped by the Lions by 37 points at the Gabba.
Johnson has kept the beers on ice for another week when the Cats' disappointing season will draw to a close with a home game against St Kilda.
After the mandatary Mad Monday session, Johnson will head home to Wangaratta where he can't wait to catch up with family and friends.
"It has been a long season and it will be good to get home and stay with the family for a while and see my mates again,'' he said yesterday.
"One of my mates has got a farm where we go fishing and shooting and I'm really looking forward to getting out there.''
Johnson had one goal to half-time on Saturday night but sparked his side's second half resurgence with five more after the long break, most from opportunist roving.
The haul took his season tally to 21, a dozen behind club leader Kent Kingsley.
"Some nights the ball comes to you and if you put yourself in the right spot it just seems to drop in front of you and I guess that is what happened,'' he said.
"My confidence has grown over the last few weeks and Bomber (Thompson) has given me a good run so I'm really enjoying it.''
