Ben Johnson Biography

Ben Johnson opens up on the relationship between Collingwood's 'Rat Pack' and coach Nathan Buckley.

The 'Rat Pack' comprised of several Magpies players namely Johnson, Dane Swan, Alan Didak and Heath Shaw.

"Me and 'Dids' were coming to the end of our careers anyway. Heath was traded (to Greater Western Sydney), which was a bit of a shock, but that's the game," Johnson said.

"Bucks has always got along really well with us. Me and Dids probably played a hundred games with him as our captain, and we had a good relationship with him.

"Bucks was certainly grumpier on the field than as a coach. He's a pretty tame coach, he keeps his head, and he's very approachable. Bucks' door is always open to every player.

"If there was ever an issue, we'd talk about it like grown men. Exactly the same as I did with Mick (Malthouse). I've had arguments with both – more with Mick – but we'd work it out."

Ben Johnson has told teammates he will retire after 235 games at the club.

A calf injury has prevented Johnson from playing a senior game since round three against Hawthorn.

"I've had a wonderful time. I loved the club before I got here and I am as passionate about Collingwood today as I was then," Johnson said.

"It's been a great ride. We enjoyed some great times, played some great footy and I've met some amazing people, including some of my best mates.

"I just didn't have anything left, really. It was time."

Nathan Buckley dismisses suggestions a group of senior players called the "brat pack" are agitating against cultural change.

The group includes players such as Dane Swan, Ben Johnson, Alan Didak and Heath Shaw who have reportedly resisted moves to become more disciplined on and off the field.

"I don't think there is enough credit given to those (senior) players," Buckley said.

"They have been successful performers over a long period of time. They are great footballers, they are great team men, they want to be part of a successful environment. I think the supposition that they are on one road and the rest of the club is on another is totally false. It's not fair on them."

A long-term shoulder injury has spurred Collingwood veteran Ben Johnson's desire to continue into a 14th season next year.

"Every long-term injury I've had, I've come back pretty well," Johnson said.

"I came back pretty well from a broken leg [in 2009] and then last year I had the hammy twice. I'm confident of coming back and playing well. I've just got to make sure the fitness is there and the shoulder strength is there."

Nathan Buckley says Ben Johnson could play again in 2012 despite undergoing a shoulder reconstruction.

"He's going to be up against it. He understands that, we understand that, but you never say never in this game," Buckley said.

"If you want something bad enough and you're diligent enough to put in place the right procedures and do the right thing minute by minute, rather than hour by hour or day by day, then you give yourself every chance."

Ben Johnson will undergo a shoulder reconstruction, throwing his season into jeopardy.

"The 227-game premiership player will commence an extensive rehabilitation program once he's recovered from the surgery, with a view to making himself available for selection before the end of the season," a statement from the Magpies said.

Collingwood veteran Ben Johnson will miss up to a month with a hamstring injury.

"Unfortunately for Ben scans confirmed a hamstring strain, and he will now go through a rehab program with the aim of being back into full training within three to four weeks," director of football Geoff Walsh said.

Ben Johnson says he has rediscovered the passion for football that he almost lost back in 2008.

"I didn't really like playing footy, to tell you the truth," Johnson said.

"I had a good chat with Mick [Malthouse] that year - and he pretty much told me to stop feeling sorry for myself - and my parents and girlfriend talked to me, and I just sort of turned things around. I really found that passion again and I haven't looked back."

Local product Ben Johnson has set his sights on early promotion to Geelong's senior list.

"If there's a spot and I'm playing well then hopefully I'll get a game," Johnson said.

"That's what I'm here for and that's what I'm really striving for. It would be good to see the team go well and it would be good if I was in it."

Collingwood's Ben Johnson has appeared to suffer a serious injury against Melbourne at the MCG although the Magpies are optimistic that it may not be as bad as first thought.

"He seems to have hit the ground," Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse said after the game.

"I know there's a massive abrasion on the side of his knee that has caused some discomfort, [but] we're quite hopeful that he'll be all right."