Re: SANFL Player Movements - 2015 / 2016
Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2015 12:19 pm
From the NAFC website:
In response to the rumour and speculation about Lewis Johnston’s future at the NAFC, we would like to confirm the following.
After several meetings over the past couple of weeks with the Coach and management, Lewis has advised that he no longer wants to be part of the team at the NAFC. Lewis, as we know, has had a terrible 12 months with injury and has played very little football over the past few years. In addition, a week prior to pre-season training he broke his big toe playing basketball which disappointingly resulted in another period on the sidelines at this crucial time. As our supporters have rightfully demanded, there has been new standards and expectations set at the Club after a horrible season on field, and all players are required to commit fully to the program under Josh Carr. Lewis doesn’t wish to commit to this, and has indicated he prefers not to play. Lewis has not had his contract cut as rumours suggest, although he was invited in to have his contract discussed with the aim to remind him of his obligations to his Club and teammates off the field. In any case, this meeting never took place and is not the reason for him wanting to leave his teammates.
We all share the disappointment of this with our supporters, however be assured Lewis is a contracted, required player at this Club and therefore is not able to speak with any Clubs without our permission as he knows. We will continue to work with him on the issues he has as we know how talented he could be, but at the same time the new football program will not be compromised by any player who doesn’t want to buy in or play for the Club.
In response to the rumour and speculation about Lewis Johnston’s future at the NAFC, we would like to confirm the following.
After several meetings over the past couple of weeks with the Coach and management, Lewis has advised that he no longer wants to be part of the team at the NAFC. Lewis, as we know, has had a terrible 12 months with injury and has played very little football over the past few years. In addition, a week prior to pre-season training he broke his big toe playing basketball which disappointingly resulted in another period on the sidelines at this crucial time. As our supporters have rightfully demanded, there has been new standards and expectations set at the Club after a horrible season on field, and all players are required to commit fully to the program under Josh Carr. Lewis doesn’t wish to commit to this, and has indicated he prefers not to play. Lewis has not had his contract cut as rumours suggest, although he was invited in to have his contract discussed with the aim to remind him of his obligations to his Club and teammates off the field. In any case, this meeting never took place and is not the reason for him wanting to leave his teammates.
We all share the disappointment of this with our supporters, however be assured Lewis is a contracted, required player at this Club and therefore is not able to speak with any Clubs without our permission as he knows. We will continue to work with him on the issues he has as we know how talented he could be, but at the same time the new football program will not be compromised by any player who doesn’t want to buy in or play for the Club.