Johncock axed by Crows
25/07/2008 11:11 AM
Adelaide star defender Graham Johncock is the latest footballer to be stood down by his club due to unprofessionalism.
The Crows took the action on the same day that crosstown rival Port Adelaide announced that veteran Peter Burgoyne would not be considered for selection until Round 18 for similar reasons.
Johncock didn't satisfy his leadership group's standards of preparation and as a result will play with SANFL side Port Adelaide Magpies this week, ironically alongside Burgoyne.
But the decision by Adelaide not to play Johncock is a far more serious course of action than the Power's treatment of Burgoyne, as the Crows, who are teetering on the fringe of the top eight on 8-8, head into a season-defining clash with Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night.
Johncock, who finished third in Adelaide's 2006 best-and-fairest count, has not been dropped by Adelaide for seven seasons.
The 25-year-old had played in every match so far this year for the Crows and averaged over 20 touches a game.
Johncock has played 142 games for Adelaide since debuting in 2002 after being taken with selection No.57 overall in the 2000 draft.