Johncock was suspended along with best and fairest winner Bernie Vince and rookie Matthew Jaensch in round eight, after failing to adhere to the team’s training and preparation standards.
Johncock, who was nursing a shoulder sprain, missed an early-morning rehabilitation session, while Vince and Jaensch were banned from AFL selection for a week after staying out beyond a reasonable hour following the Crows’ loss to North Melbourne.
The rebounding defender served his suspension with aplomb, starring for the Port Adelaide Magpies and earned an immediate recall against Fremantle in round 11.
The 27-year-old said he was determined not to let the incident define his season.
“It [being demoted to the SANFL] was a bit of a surprise actually, but that was the decision the leadership group made and I couldn’t do anything but respect it. All I had to do was go back to the Maggies and show the club that I still feel and have the desire to play footy,” Johncock said.
“I went back there, played a really good game and put my name up for selection the following week. As far as I’m concerned I’m just moving forward with the Crows now.”
The whole situation had little impact on Johncock’s career-best season.
The creative half-back has averaged 22 possessions and six marks a game this year, despite missing almost half the season through injury and suspension.
He picked up a season-high 32 possessions and a goal in Adelaide’s win over Melbourne on Sunday and said he was pleased with his ability to perform in spite of the interruptions.
“I broke my thumb at the start of the season and then landed awkwardly on my shoulder (in round seven),” Johncock said.
“I’ve been in pretty good nick when I’ve played, so I’ve got to get myself right and stay out on the track. Hopefully, that form and fitness can continue for the rest of the year now.”
Vince (30 possessions and a goal) and Jaensch (three goals) also put in arguably their best performances of the season in their first games back from suspension against the Dees.
The Crows dominated the clearances (50-26) and inside 50s (60-29) on Sunday and also reversed their recent poor form in winning the hard ball to finish with 30 more contested possessions than the Demons.
Johncock said the players had identified contested ball as a “non-negotiable” in the second half of the season.
“Over the break we sat down and had a good look at the first half of the year. We looked at what we could get out of the rest of the year to help us improve for next year. We’re just going out there every week playing for us and playing the way we want to play. We want to give ourselves every opportunity for improvement in 2011.
