Jimmy Bartel defends Steve Johnson on 3AW

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Jimmy Bartel has launched a spirited defence of former teammate Steve Johnson.

Some have questioned whether the GWS livewire is still in the club’s best 22.

But Bartel isn’t concerned.

Speaking on 3AW Football, the 2007 Brownlow medallist said Johnson was often unfairly judged.

‘Stevie is one of those players that people tend to focus on the negatives to his game, not the positives,’ Bartel said.

‘He wasn’t brought there to kick 50 goals, which he did last year as a bonus.

‘But it’s the teaching, it’s the on-field stuff, it’s the leadership, finals experience and he’s supposed to be a calm head ? that’s what we’ve got to judge him on and I think only people at GWS would know if he’s doing that and clearly he is, if they keep picking him.’

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