STEVE Johnson says the Cats won't expect miracles from new recruit Mitch Clark as the former Melbourne forward attempts to resurrect his stalled career.

Clark quit the Demons earlier this year citing depression, but he has since gotten on top of the condition and chose to make a fresh start with the Cats.

The 27-year-old's presence up forward will give Geelong another vital avenue towards goal after the Cats' scoring output diminished last season.

As Geelong's prime target, Hawkins was relied upon heavily last season kicking 68 goals in a year when no other Cat kicked more than Jimmy Bartel's 27. 


Hawkins kicked five goals out of 13 in the Cats' semi-final loss to North Melbourne that saw them bounced out of the finals in straight sets.
 
Johnson said Clark could ease the burden on the burly forward.
 
"As long as he's playing his role, we don't expect too much," Johnson said.
 
"I think if he can just help out with our forward line depth, give Tommy Hawkins a bit of a chop out."
 
Clark has not played since round four 2013. He had season-ending foot surgery to remove a screw that was inserted in 2012.

The 27-year-old kicked 29 goals in 11 matches that year. He kicked 27 goals in 17 games for the Brisbane Lions in 2011.

Johnson is looking forward to linking up with Clark, but said the team wouldn't place unrealistic expectations on the West Australian.


"By the sounds of things Mitch and Rhys (Stanley) are training strongly at the moment, so it's exciting times for us," he said.

Johnson is in Perth preparing for Saturday night's International Rules clash with Ireland at Patersons Stadium.

The 31-year-old is one of the most skilful AFL players when it comes to the Sherrin, and his round-ball skills are also being talked up by his teammates.

Johnson did his best to play down his golden touch.

"I am not sure who talked me up but I'm not that good," Johnson said.

"I guess it is just foreign that the ball is a lot different.

"I've been practising since I was five years old kicking an oval ball, and kicking a soccer ball, or an Irish football, is a little bit different."

Australia's squad features only current or former All Australians, and Johnson said he was amazed by the depth of talent on display.

"On Tuesday I played up forward, so alongside Nick Riewoldt, Chad Wingard and Robbie Gray. You look around and have to pinch yourself really," Johnson said.

"It has been fun."