Stevie J should play AFL in 2016: Thompson

Two-time Geelong premiership coach Mark Thompson believes Steve Johnson should play on at another AFL club next season.

Johnson, who played in the 2007 and 2009 flags under Thompson, is facing an uncertain future and said on Wednesday he was unsure whether he would play with the Cats next year.

Fellow premiership stars James Kelly and Matthew Stokes announced on Wednesday they will play their final game for the club in Saturday’s clash with Adelaide.

All three have not closed the door on continuing their careers with another club in 2016.

“I think if they believe they want to play football, they will and they should (play on),” Thompson told Fox Footy’s AFL 360 program.

Thompson said the trio are in a similar position to Paul Chapman, who was delisted by Geelong at the end of the 2013 and went on to play two seasons at Essendon.

“Chappy thought his chapter wasn’t over,” Thompson said.

“He thought the book was still open, I get a feeling Steve Johnson’s the same.”

North Melbourne’s two-time premiership champion David King agreed Johnson should play on and nominated Hawthorn, West Coast and the Western Bulldogs as potential suitors.

“I know he doesn’t defend especially well one on one, it’s not his go, but what he does with ball in hand other players can’t do,” King said.

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