#20 Ash Johnson

[Dark Beanie]

People getting stuck into AJ after his game last night. He has deleted his social media accounts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4jnWPEhx8m/

Seriously people need to get a grip.

[boom]

I feel for Ash and basically anyone that has to play as our big forward. Outside of McStay we haven't had a decent tall forward since Cloke. Whether it's Ash or Reef there's extra pressure and anxiety, particularly from us supporters.

[stui magpie]

People getting stuck into AJ after his game last night. He has deleted his social media accounts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4jnWPEhx8m/

Seriously people need to get a grip.

OK, there's one thing having a vent on a BB, it's completely different attacking a player on their own social media. The kind of people who do that should either be named and shamed or just have their own phone shoved right up their arse then slapped across the face with a 20kg fish. It's just petulant, childish bullshit.

[lazzadesilva]

People getting stuck into AJ after his game last night. He has deleted his social media accounts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4jnWPEhx8m/

Seriously people need to get a grip.

OK, there's one thing having a vent on a BB, it's completely different attacking a player on their own social media. The kind of people who do that should either be named and shamed or just have their own phone shoved right up their arse then slapped across the face with a 20kg fish. It's just petulant, childish bullshit.

Disgusting arseholes and total feral dickheads. FFS grow up and smell the roses instead of your armpits you wankers

[shawthing]

People getting stuck into AJ after his game last night. He has deleted his social media accounts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4jnWPEhx8m/

Seriously people need to get a grip.

OK, there's one thing having a vent on a BB, it's completely different attacking a player on their own social media. The kind of people who do that should either be named and shamed or just have their own phone shoved right up their arse then slapped across the face with a 20kg fish. It's just petulant, childish bullshit.

Yep I agree 1000% Stui. No one should have to suffer that on their social media account. He knows he's not playing well, and probably understands his chances to play AFL in the future are gone. But there's one thing certain. He is much better than every one of the keyboard warriors attacking him.

These people need to (1) get a life, and (2) get the **** out of our club if they are members.

[David]

Agreed with all of the above. Any "fan" who was involved in this should give themselves an uppercut and not bother turning up to any more games. We don't want them.

[Jezza]

In complete agreement with everyone above.

Poor form abusing a player on social media. It's one thing to engage in constructive criticism of a player's performance on a forum like this, but you need to get a life and some perspective if you're verbally abusing someone on social media.

[magpieazza]

Well Ash has achieved more than I ever did, keep your head high Ash.

[pietillidie]

Well said, Nicksters.

Ash, we've got your back on here, lad. Plenty of us admire your G&D to break through as a mature recruit, and are fully aware you've achieved far more than most people ever will on a sporting field, let alone on the great MCG, taking grabs and booting sausage rolls. We also know that life can burden people in ways outsiders will never understand, and sometimes, those close to us will never grasp.

Forget the imbeciles out there, as hard as it can be, and as much as they can wear down the soul. Don't let the ba$tards dictate your life; you've contributed a highlight reel to our club already, and have a hell of a lot more where that came from. We've got your back in the meantime, Ash. Look within and to your mates, but remember this: good people get life's challenges and are in the trenches with you, wishing you nothing but the absolute very best, as faraway as they can sometimes seem.

Carna' Pies.

[Culprit]

Social Media leaves you open to be attacked by that idiot minority. Good move to get off it.

[Magpietothemax]

Saddened to hear that AJ copped an avalanche of abuse online. "Supporters" who indulge in tearing down our players are not supporters, but are vile, cowardly bullies who know nothing about the love for our magnificent football club. Keep strong, AJ.

[think better]

Ash's story is a great one - plucked out as a senior recruit and has had some great plays in his relatively short career. I am sure he will bounce back and deliver on the big stage soon.

From all accounts is a great person too.

Morons on social media are quite the norm these days, not the exception.

[What'sinaname]

Should have thrown him in the ruck for a bit. He needed to get a touch or two to get his confidence back

[LaurieHolden]

Reality is he's 26 and hasn't developed the game craft required for AFL. As it stands he's a one lead player, and that rarely leads to marks. Following that he just doesn't impact a game. Where are the chase down tackles? The score involvements?
To maintain a spot he'd need to develop repeat efforts and that would involve avoiding going to ground so often.

[lazzadesilva]

Reality is he's 26 and hasn't developed the game craft required for AFL. As it stands he's a one lead player, and that rarely leads to marks. Following that he just doesn't impact a game. Where are the chase down tackles? The score involvements?
To maintain a spot he'd need to develop repeat efforts and that would involve avoiding going to ground so often.

To me form and class are different issues. Firstly form is flexible and you will have your good days and bad days during the season. I see it as a blessing to get the bad days out of the way early on and fire up to peak level for when the team needs you most, in the big games and to help make the finals in the essential must win games. But I totally agree that it was a particularly lazy game from him and his lack of running both ways was unforgivable. He has to pull his finger out and perform. He has to do more work than what he did.
However class is natural and he has shown that he has it. Just need the club not to panic and support him to perform at his best. His class will be evident.