It can be a lonely place being suspended in the AFL, according to Justin Longmuir, but the Senior Coach expects Matthew Johnson to make the most of his two weeks on the sidelines.
Longmuir said Johnson was clearly disappointed post-game against Brisbane on Saturday when it was clear he would be handed a suspension for a dangerous tackle, with the AFL’s match review officer later handing down a two-week ban for rough conduct.
The incident overshadowed what was clearly his best performance from his five games since making his debut in the RAC Derby.
He played mostly on the wing but also attended 10 centre bounces as he gained valuable inside midfield experience.
He amassed 22 disposals, with 17 of them effective, as well as five clearances and five score involvements.
Longmuir said the midfielder will come back stronger from the experience.
“He’s disappointed with missing a couple of weeks but in the grand scheme of things a bit of a freshen up won’t hurt him,” Longmuir said.
“He’s shown plenty in the early parts of his career, he was disappointed after the game, probably a little bit more positive and reflective on Monday.
“It’s an opportunity for him to get a bit of work in.
“It’s not a great place to be, an AFL club when you’re suspended, as you’re fully fit and can still do all the work, and you often have to do it on your own. He’ll learn a pretty big lesson but he’s tracking well.”
Fellow 2021 draftee Neil Erasmus looms as the likely replacement, with Erasmus playing his first game of 2023 against Brisbane, coming on as a substitute in the final term.
He and Johnson formed part of a young engine room that also featured Sean Darcy (24), Will Brodie (24), Andrew Brayshaw (23), Caleb Serong (22), Luke Jackson (21).
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