Former AFL star Steve Johnson is recovering in hospital after escaping life-threatening injuries in a freak accident on his own property in Wangaratta.
Johnson, who played 293 games with Geelong and Greater Western Sydney, was rushed to Wangaratta hospital on Monday night with a deep wound to his stomach.
Steve Johnson’s goalkicking prowess made him a fan favourite at Geelong.Credit: Fairfax Photographics.
The three-time Cats premiership forward was opening a gate when a knife he had inside a bag he was carrying pierced its cover and bag, and stabbed him in the stomach.
Johnson, 40, moved to country football in 2022 and last year led the Yarrawonga Pigeons to a premiership in the Ovens and Murray Football League.
“The YFNC would like to wish our senior coach, Steve Johnson a quick and full recovery from his accident on Monday night,” the club said in a statement.
“As you may be aware, Steve suffered a nasty stomach wound in a freak accident. He has been treated at the Wangaratta Hospital and like all things, time will heal.”
A neighbour helped Johnson before he was taken to hospital for emergency surgery.
“Not ideal … thanks for the messages of support,” Johnson is reported to have said on Instagram, with a picture of his surgically repaired stomach.
Johnson retired after the 2017 season, having played 253 games with the Cats and 40 with the Giants. He was the 2017 Norm Smith medallist.
He has also been an assistant coach with the Giants and Swans.
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