VFL ROUND 2 2007 : GEELONG THRASHES TASMANIA BY 67 POINTS; STEVE JOHNSON BEST ON GROUND WITH FOUR GOALS
Ben Jensen 15 April 2007

By Ben Jensen THE BENDIGO BANK CATS thrashed the Tasmania Devils by 67 points at Bellerive Oval yesterday. Ahead by just two goals at three quarter time, Geelong kicked ten goals to one in the final term to figuratively blow Tasmania to Antarctica.

For the second week in a row, Steve Johnson was best on ground, kicking four goals and having 35 possessions. Former Captain Steven King, in his first match of the season proper, was also impressive, showing great mobility with 25 possessions.

GEELONG 3.2 7.7 11.11 21.13 (139) DEFEATED
TASMANIA 3.3 5.7 9.9 10.12 (72)

GOALS
GEELONG: T. Grima 6, S. Johnson 4, R. Butler 2, M. Firman 2, D. Barnes 2, S. King, C. Gardiner, T. West, N. Djerrkura, L. Bedford
TASMANIA: K. Hall 2, B. Moles 2, C. Thurley, M. Westfield, B. Moran, L. Hansen, B. Warren, L. Adams

BEST
GEELONG: S. Johnson, H. Playfair, L. Bedford, T. Grima, K. Tenace, S. King
TASMANIA: A. O''Sign, B. Careless, S. Carins, T. Collier, B. Warren, M. Westfiel

20 year old Rookie Todd Grima kicked six goals, helped out in the final term by Johnson's magical performance. Kane Tenace performed well across half back, which could be the position for him in the future.

King came on and off the ground but played about three quarters of the game. Other notable AFL hopefuls included Charlie Gardiner - who by all reports was solid; Max Rooke hasn't missed a beat and is ready to go; Nathan Djerrkurra is close to making his AFL debut.

Steve Johnson's form has given the Geelong leadership ground and selection panel a problem and an opportunity. Make him serve his full term in the VFL and it sets a new standard not seen before at Geelong. Bring him back early and be seen to do the right thing football wise but lower the bar in player behaviour. The hierarchy are almost certain to do the former.