Essendon veteran, Jason Johnson, made it through his return game for Bendigo unscathed after almost three months on the sidelines through injury.
Bendigo Bombers coach, Adrian Hickmott, has highlighted Johnson’s return as one of a few positives to take out of an otherwise dark day for the Bombers who were convincingly beaten by Box Hill by 119 points.
“Jason was good. He got through the whole game which was exciting,” Hickmott said.
“His skills and touch at the start of the game were a fraction off because he has been out for ten weeks but he worked hard for us.”
Johnson, 31, spent the majority of the match in the centre with breaks up forward. Hickmott was impressed with his commitment to the hardball and composure under pressure.
“When you get beaten by 20 goals, it is hard to find the footy and hard to keep your composure and to keep working for the team but he did that which was great for us,” Hickmott said.
While many fans are longing to see Johnson don the Essendon guernsey again before the season is out, Hickmott said it is unlikely the 2000 Premiership player will return to the senior team this weekend.
“We have match committee tomorrow but you would probably think he would need another game at VFL level,” he said.
“I was speaking to him this morning and he pulled up pretty sore. He hasn’t had a hit around or body contact for a long time so it takes an effect on you the week after.
“For him to get over his soreness and then get up and be right for another game, I think he will need one more week but we will wait and see what happens.”
Hickmott was also impressed with the contribution of 200cm emerging ruckman, Tom Bellchambers.
“Tommy worked hard but I would like to see him work harder,” Hickmott said.
“He rucked well, was competitive and took some good catches around the ground.
“At times I think he could push to spots on the ground where he should get to and he doesn’t, but that is a learning curve too teaching running patterns and how hard you have to push when you are feeling fatigued.“
