News Leader of the Pack - Ben Johnson

[Gambit78]

A warm and fuzzy courtesy of 'The Age'...

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/a-leader-of-the-pack-20120914-25xyv.html

Mod edit: replaced my original (mod edit) teaser with a better one (thanks Quicky)

From the article:
His kicks often spin unusually or float, but they seldom miss their mark.

.........
Leon Davis:
I tried my best to teach him to kick, but he just wouldn't learn, [referring to his right foot]" said Davis. "I would love to have had his left foot. I was always really surprised people questioned his kicking because, personally, I thought he was a great kick and I always told him that. Sometimes they would helicopter, but they were effective."

.........
Josh Fraser:
"I know from playing and training he is a good kick to lead to because he does not dart them at you; he puts them there for you to run at."

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/a-leader-of-the-pack-20120914-25xyv.html

 

[rose jam]

Nice to see Leon talking

 

[mattys123]

Yep, nice story, now Bucks, take the ball of him kicking in and we'll win.

 

[handy point]

I don't think any other Pie has sent me more bi-polar during a game than this guy. Important to have him back tho.

Agreed on the kick ins, matty

 

[Quicky]

I love those comments about his disposal. It sums it up perfectly and from players that have a better understanding than any of us will ever have. I think there is myth perpetuated about his kicking that is plain and simple wrong.

From the article:

His kicks often spin unusually or float, but they seldom miss their mark.​

.........
Leon Davis:

I tried my best to teach him to kick, but he just wouldn't learn, [referring to his right foot]" said Davis. "I would love to have had his left foot. I was always really surprised people questioned his kicking because, personally, I thought he was a great kick and I always told him that. Sometimes they would helicopter, but they were effective."​

.........
Josh Fraser:

"I know from playing and training he is a good kick to lead to because he does not dart them at you; he puts them there for you to run at."​

 

[MeisterBot]

He is the king of effective floaters.

Nice article and nice read.

 

[Baltimore Jack]

Another one that I freely admit I got wrong.
When he first started playing for us I never thought he would make it.

Very good player and with him in the side we are a better team

 

[rand corp]

Been a great contributor over the years has Jonno and yes, probably under-rated. I don't like him kicking in though because I believe he is a very good kick on the run but prone to the odd helicopter that suddenly drops in the air from set kicks.

 

[jonbe54]

One of the most underrated players in this or any other team, took a while to find his feet but once ensconced in the 22 has been a superior contributor, pace and aggression from the backline are irreplaceable in today's footy.

Forget how ugly the ball looks twisting off his boot, he has the skill of allowing players to run into their marks - priceless for a quick leading forward.

 

[Prestigerrycomo]

Thought he was one of our best last game. Some have often called him our barometer. If he's playing well we generally win.

 

[jathanas]

Another one that I freely admit I got wrong.
When he first started playing for us I never thought he would make it.

Very good player and with him in the side we are a better team

You are not Robinson Crusoe in getting him wrong mate. He was a bit of a shocker in his first 2 years.