Johncock cleared for Crows comeback
The Crows' leadership group has cleared Graham Johncock to be available for selection against Richmond
Johncock, who represented the Dream Team in the Hall of Fame game earlier this season, was sent back to the SANFL two weeks ago after failing to meet the necessary standards of preparation and responded with two near-best on ground performances.
Skipper Simon Goodwin said Johncock’s attitude over the past fortnight had been “unbelievable”.
“We (the leadership group) met yesterday and spoke about Graham. He’s going to be available for selection this week. He’s done a lot of things right, Graham, over the last couple of weeks and he’s well aware of the standards that are required in preparing himself to play with us,” Goodwin said on Tuesday.
“He’s done some enormous work on that and he’s committed to a long-term plan, so he’s available for selection.”
The Crows have not disclosed the exact reasons why the leadership group intervened and recommended Johncock be sent back to the SANFL, but Goodwin said there had been a marked improvement in the defender’s approach to preparing for AFL footy.
“His attitude towards his training, his fitness and the attitude he’s gone back to the Port Adelaide Magpies with has been sensational. Full credit to Graham and we’re looking forward to seeing the benefits of Graham playing some great footy for us,” he said.
“Graham had some guidelines we wanted to see and he’s delivered on that over the last couple of weeks. His preparation has improved over the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen that, we know he can do it; it’s just a matter of him doing it on a long-term basis now.
“We’re confident Graham will come into the team, play his role to the level that we expect.”
Johncock’s availability is welcome news for the Crows, who will be without star forward Jason Porplyzia (bruising to the brain) and young midfielder Chris Knights (hamstring) when they tackle the Tigers on Sunday.