Bendigo coach, Adrian Hickmott, said the 2000 Premiership player appears to be finally over his calf injury and has passed his initial fitness tests.
“He trained yesterday (Monday) but that was only a light session so I stayed out afterward with Matthew Knights and we put him through a few drills and he came through that well and pulled up ok,” Hickmott said.
“He will train tomorrow and, if he gets through and feels good about his body, I can’t see why he won’t be right to return on the weekend for Bendigo.”
Johnson, 31, was drafted with pick No.28 in 1996 and made his Essendon debut in 1997.
He has struggled to get fit since playing early in the season and his team-mates, and fans, are hoping they will see him in an Essendon jumper again before the season is out.
“He’s had about 13 weeks out but his work off field has been brilliant to get himself right for this week,” Hickmott said.
“He was just about to come back about a month ago and re-strained his calf but he has gotten on with it and his work ethic and work with the young guys has been excellent.
“We will play him in the midfield for about half the game playing in seven minute spurts, because he will need plenty of rests.”
Hickmott said with four AFL games left in the season a fairytale senior return is still possible.
“He will get 60 minutes this week and, if gets through well, we will take it up to 80 minutes next week predominantly in the midfield but also up forward so he can have a few shots on goal.
“If he gets through that and trains well you never know what can happen.”
Hickmott said the 182 game veteran is highly respected at the club and his return to Bendigo will aid the development of players like Magin and Hooker.
“He is a natural leader on the ground and his communication helps lift the side,” he said.
“I know Jason is excited about playing and I suppose to have his body right is a relief.
“He just loves playing, he’s been in the system for 13 years so to be out for so long is hard - he wants to enjoy this weekend.”
