Geelong’s Johnson ready to play on in 2016

Geelong veteran Steve Johnson says he believes he’s capable of playing on in 2016 as the Cats prepare to make big decisions on the future of several afl flag-winners.

Corey Enright, Jimmy Bartel, Andrew Mackie, James Kelly, Matthew Stokes and Johnson are all off contract at season’s end.

After a season of speculation, this week could finally determine just who from the Cats’ golden era stays and goes.

Geelong were knocked out of the finals race on Friday night and have the chance to farewell any departing stars on Saturday when they host Adelaide.

Johnson told ABC radio he wasn’t sure whether he would be one of them but said if given the chance, his body would stand up.

“I feel like I’d be capable of playing on next year,” he said.

Johnson, 32, said he could understand why there would be speculation on his future given his start to the year.

“From the first half of the season I gave everybody a good reason to question whether I can continue to play on,” he said.

“In the past few months since I’ve been feeling reasonably good physically, I just go out there and play a role and hopefully that’s enough to prove to myself that I’m capable of still doing it.”

Johnson said the return to fitness of Daniel Menzel after four knee reconstructions was a driving force behind sticking around in 2016.

“I would love to be able to play with Daniel Menzel, I think we’d work well together,” he said.

Whatever the decision that the club and he makes on his playing future – and that of his teammates, Johnson backed the call.

“I don’t envy Chris Scott and the list management team’s position, they do have to make some hard calls,” he said.

“I think they’ve got a reasonable track record in making the right calls.”

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