Today the Sydney Swans announced two more list changes to their side ahead of the 2018 season.
Premiership player Alex Johnson has been informed that he will not be offered a senior contract for 2018, but could still be drafted by the Sydney Swans in the Rookie Draft.
The Swans recruited the defender with pick 57 in the 2010 AFL Draft, making his debut in Round 3 2011 before playing 45 games in his first two years, including the 2012 Premiership.
Since the 2013 pre-season, Johnson has failed to play a senior game, having undergone five ACL reconstructions for multiple tears and complications from different surgeries.
Alex has made a solid recovery this season and featured prominently in the NEAFL. He made his return against Canberra in the Swans' big Round 14 win, with a contingent of senior players making the trip up in support, going on to playing the remaining six games of the season, including the NEAFL decider.
Sydney Swans Head of Football Tom Harley said it was a difficult decision to make.
“Alex is an extremely popular and respected member of the playing group, and he has worked incredibly hard to get back to where he is,” Harley said.
“While we know Alex is disappointed, he understands the decision and remains driven to play AFL football.
“We will reassess Alex and our list after the AFL National Draft, however in the interim Alex will continue to train with the team.”
Meanwhile first-year Category B Rookie Sam Fisher has been advised he's no guarantee of retaining his place on the Rookie list next season.
The Canberra product joined last year and has been plying his craft in the NEAFL, and will continue to train with the Swans until the upcoming drafts.
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