Michael & Johnson To Retire - Johns Dumped

Defender Mal Michael announced his retirement (for the second time) on Friday and he is expected to be joined by midfielder Jason Johnson as the Bombers shakeup their playing list.

Michael, 31, has played 34 matches for the Bombers after playing the majority of his 235-game career at Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions. He was a member of the Lions’ three premiership teams from 2001 to 2003.

“The warning signs were there,” Michael said. “I was still sore and tired on Friday from the week before’s game and waking up Saturday morning hoping I would be right to get through the games.”

Meanwhile Bomber coach Matthew Knights said Friday that Jason Johnson would have two final farewell games in rounds 21 and 22.

“Jason Johnson will play for Bendigo this week but will basically, virtually come into the team next week and will get to play the final two games with the Essendon Football Club – and it should be a celebration,”

Johnson won two best and fairest awards, was a member of the Bombers’ 2000 premiership side and was selected in the 2003 all-Australian side. However, injury has restricted him to just two senior games in 2008 for a career total of 182.

Knights also confirmed that Johns would be cut from the Essendon list at the end of the season.

“We sat down a couple of weeks ago and discussed Courtney’s future and I basically said, in the best way possible, that Courtney wouldn’t be with us next year,” he said.

“He obviously took it tough but those decisions have to be made and hard decisions have to be made at times.

“It was a tough decision because Courtney is a terrific young man and I have enjoyed coaching him at Bendigo and Essendon. It was just one of those things that happened and Courtney is moving on with it.

“It is never pleasant as a coach to sit down with young men because you know how much they love the game. And it is not personal, it is to do with their football, and that is what’s happened with Courtney.”

Posted 15 August 08 in News