Current and former players, administrators, coaches fans and the media have reacted to the news that Alex Johnson will return to play his first senior match since 2012.
See below some of the reaction from across the football industry after the news was announced on Wednesday afternoon.
Feels #ProudlySydney pic.twitter.com/FzEJUndxFj
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) August 1, 2018
So excited!!! Well done Alex you are a fine example of hard work, dedication and commitment. Wish I could be there to watch the game!!!!
— Rebekah Bancroft (@Bek2377) August 1, 2018
AFL throws up some heartbreaking situations when players get seriously injured but the return of Alex Johnson to the @sydneyswans team is my favourite moment of the year!
— Paul Marsh (@Marsh_Paul) August 1, 2018
Alex Johnson’s comeback. The football story of the year. When u r having a bad day. Think about what he has had to endure over the last 5 and a half years. Talk about resilient @sydneyswans
— Campbell brown (@Browndogg_30x) August 1, 2018
This is massive, story of the year by a country mile!! https://t.co/II8hUDTfZH
— billy gowers (@billgowers) August 1, 2018
This is what footy and life is all about! Perseverance and resilience. Well done mate - we are all very proud of you. Enjoy every second of being back out where you belong this weekend https://t.co/BDeWzPRZ1s
— Alex Woodward (@AlexWoodwardd) August 1, 2018
Last time Alex Johnson played an AFL game, Dane Rampe wasn't even on Sydney's list. He's played 133 games for the Swans since.
— Ethan (@ethan_meldrum) August 1, 2018
deadset unreal! absolute champion https://t.co/2PthvkK4rZ
— Nathan Freeman (@nathfreeman9) August 1, 2018
To come back from one ACL is hard enough, but to have gone through it five times is something else. Huge amount of respect for Alex, best of luck mate! https://t.co/oZa6CuRe87
— Sam Skinner (@samskinner21) August 1, 2018
Since Alex Johnson last played AFL football:
— Sam McClure (@sam_mcclure) August 1, 2018
Fremantle played in a Grand Final
Hawthorn won a three-peat
And Lance Franklin has kicked 384 goals.
Johnson will line up as a teammate of Franklin's for the first time on Saturday.
Group of Swans just arrived at the club, Kennedy, Rampe, Parker among them. Alex Johnson given a monster bear hug by Rampe. Great place footy clubs @AFLcomau
— Adam Curley (@AdamCurleyMedia) August 1, 2018
