Ben Johnson

[BEEG]

We all love Jonno and i think we have really missed him last year still has good football left in him.

I almost think he has been the most underrated Collingwood player of the last decade.

But why i started this thread is i did not realize how much of a leader he is every video i have seen on the Pies website has him in the background giving advice and encouragement.

Has Johnno always been seen like this was he ever a chance for Captain?

 

[jathanas]

BJ is a northern suburbs loveable rogue that grew up supporting Collingwood. He did not start of as a disciplined and driven young man. He got into his fair share of trouble with Taz as well. Eddie would make fun of his Miami-vice dress sense.

I think these days he identifies with the younger players, understands their urges and knows enough about the caper to help.

It'd be fair to say he was not "Buckley-like" in his attitude initially.

BTW: I love the bloke.

 

[DaicosianMarvels]

I agree he was the most underrated player in the last decade, his run and carry have been crucial for us along with the experience he brings to the team but I think he is dropping off now. Nothing wrong with that, no one can play forever.

He grew up a Collingwood fan, played for just Collingwood and is a premiership player for us, he has had a great career. As for captaincy material, I don't think he was ever a chance because he loved the party scene, he was a party boy with Chris Tarrant.

 

[BEEG]

I agree he was the most underrated player in the last decade, his run and carry have been crucial for us along with the experience he brings to the team but I think he is dropping off now. Nothing wrong with that, no one can play forever.

He grew up a Collingwood fan, played for just Collingwood and is a premiership player for us, he has had a great career. As for captaincy material, I don't think he was ever a chance because he loved the party scene, he was a party boy with Chris Tarrant.

I think one of the main reasons we won the 2010 Premiership which alot of people forget is that he had a very good year that year after 2 very average ones

His run and carry has been incredible for many years he did some great jobs early in his career on Aker Bourgoyne etc

 

[JA27]

there was a time about 7 years ago when he was being mentioned as leadership material, but he suffered injuries and poor form and stuggled to get back.

 

[mattys123]

I'm pretty sure that when BJ dies in about 50 years, and they cut him up to do the autopsy, they will find a black and white heart inside him.

He is the quintessential old time Collingwood player who grew up only a few kilometres from Vic Park, was a Pies fan growing up and then got the chance to play for many seasons for the club he loves.

It's fitting he wears the number 26 also, and it will be great to watch him one more time this year before he and Dids ride off into the sunset together.

 

[3066]

But why i started this thread is i did not realize how much of a leader he is every video i have seen on the Pies website has him in the background giving advice and encouragement.

Has Johnno always been seen like this was he ever a chance for Captain?

Yeah I picked that up too in the clips he is always giving advice/voice. But as far as being Captain no chance at all ..... heck he even runs away from CTV interviews.

Really happy he pulled a finger out coz about 4 years back even I had to admit it was looking like he was trade bait. Didn't Eddie rip into him about being fat and having a better left foot kick? Ouch! ..... That must have really hit home for him.

 

[muzzy2]

Dane Swan credits BJ with turning his fitness around too.

There was an article a while back where Ben said to Swannie if I turn around once this pre-season and you are not right behind me, I'll kick your arse. It was just after Dane had his big off season issues.

 

[BEEG]

Dane Swan credits BJ with turning his fitness around too.

There was an article a while back where Ben said to Swannie if I turn around once this pre-season and you are not right behind me, I'll kick your arse. It was just after Dane had his big off season issues.

Yeah i remember that got to love BJ

 

[Wooljay]

Bought me a Jager bomb on my 18th birthday, and for that he'll always be my hero.

 

[the mighty T]

club champion and if fully fit this coming season, he'll add plenty to our flag tilt

 

[PepperFace]

Really happy he pulled a finger out coz about 4 years back even I had to admit it was looking like he was trade bait. Didn't Eddie rip into him about being fat and having a better left foot kick? Ouch! ..... That must have really hit home for him.

I remember hearing about this. And then on the first day of pre season training he rocked up with a 6-pack stomach for the first time in his career...........or so the story goes

 

[Tbone McGraw]

Just on Bj, i get the impression he has turned his whole life around. I read somewhere that he is the first bloke to put his hand up for any charity work or with visiting kids.

Well done to him.

 

[rand corp]

He's a credit to himself, was all but gone and then turned it right around.

 

[Turnstiles]

Definitely started his career as an old school footy player. Work hard during the week and party hard afterwards. But over the years he's adapted to the ever increasing professionalism of the game. Looking at some of the pre season CTV clips, he's as keen to be there as he ever has. Grew up in the Magpie heartland and is Collingwood through and through. Cracking bloke who would do anything for teamates. Hope he has big 2013.

 

[Go_Brad_Dick]

It is a well known fact he is the 'spiritual' leader at player level of the club.
Loved and respected by all the players, and a mentor to younger players

 

[rustyg70]

Love the bloke.
People seem to forget how handy he was when he came back from injury this year.
We all talk about how valuable a fit and healthy Krak and Didak are to our side, we tend to forget how much run and carry Johnno gives our side.
He is a walk up start to our best 22 as far as Im concerned.