Johnston to face old club
28 April 2006 Herald Sun
Jim Wilson
CARLTON legend Wayne Johnston says it's business as usual as he plots the downfall of his former club in his new role with Richmond.
Tonight's clash at the MCG will be the first time the man nicknamed "Dominator", will lock horns with the Blues who regard him as one of their all-time greats.
Johnston's presence in the yellow and black as a runner has certainly raised a few eyebrows at Carlton this week.
Yesterday his son Tomi, who could well be wearing a Blues guernsey next year under the father-son rule, underwent medical treatment at Carlton, but his father was told to keep his distance.
Tomi, 18, is captain of the Sandringham Dragons.
"It's all a bit of fun and I had a laugh about it when they said Tomi could have a medical check for some general soreness but told me to stay away," Johnston said.
"I think it was all tongue in cheek sort of stuff. I can't wait for Friday night and hopefully the Blues fans will be nice to me."
Apart from this week, Johnston still has close ties with the Blues. His employer, MC Labour Services, recently announced a sponsorship deal with Carlton.
The deal, involving the naming rights at Princes Park, was brokered by Johnston despite his new role at Richmond.
"It's like I'm split down the middle with my footy allegiances," he said.
"I have had to wear my business hat with MC Labour Services that I basically got to sponsor the Blues. But my football hat is all about Richmond at the moment and I'm loving being involved again with AFL football."
Johnston was thrilled this year when Richmond coach Terry Wallace jumped at the opportunity of having his experience and knowledge at Punt Road.
"Terry has been wonderful, as has the entire Richmond Football Club, who have made me feel so welcome," Johnston said. "It's one of those opportunities that came up and I'm really enjoying the club."
And the former Blues captain and premiership hero is hoping for a similar reception tomorrow night from Carlton as the one he received at the Gabba last weekend.
Johnston, who lived in Brisbane for 10 years and became friends with several Lions players, said he had some good-natured banter at the Gabba involving the opposition.
"A few of the Lions said g'day during the game and Jonathan Brown actually gave me a tap on the tummy," Johnston said.
"It was played in the spirit that footy should be played in. I actually probably know more Brisbane players than the Carlton boys. The only one that I know well is `Kouta' and I'll say g'day to him if I get the opportunity."
It will be unusual for the Blues' faithful watching Johnston run for the Tigers tonight.
His children have also warned him that if the Tigers win, they will be offended if he belts out the yellow and black's famous song.
"They were watching the TV last Saturday night when we beat Brisbane wondering if I'd be singing the Richmond song," Johnston laughed.
"They were right on to me and expressed their satisfaction that they didn't spot me in the rooms after the game. I had to come clean with them that I did sing it in the background."
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,18950879%255E19771,00.html
