Geelong star Steve Johnson has signed a deal to keep him with the AFL club for the next two years.

The 29-year-old triple-premiership player would have become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season but was never expected to move.

“I’m very happy to be remaining at the Cats for another two years,” Johnson said on the club’s website.

“I’m excited to be a part of such a successful club and look forward to being a part of an exciting future at the Cats.”

Johnson, a three-time All Australian who won the Norm Smith Medal in 2007, has been in excellent recent form, spending extended stints in the midfield.

He was subbed off with groin soreness against Essendon last Friday night but has been named to play against Adelaide at Simonds Stadium on Saturday.