GIANTS recruit Steve Johnson admits he had serious doubts about playing football again after a stellar 253-game career at Geelong, which included three premierships.

But the 32-year-old said a fresh start at a young club is just what he needed, claiming he still has plenty to offer as a player.

“At times I questioned whether I would or wouldn’t (continue playing),” Johnson said.

“But after taking my time and letting the dust settle I found I still had the drive to play AFL football and I chose this club because I thought it would be a great fit for me and for them.”

After spending 14 seasons at one club and winning three flags, Johnson admitted playing against Geelong will be a challenge.

“It will be different,” Johnson said.

“It’s something I haven’t done before. I have a lot of great mates and a lot of respect for that football club. It’s a new chapter for me and I’m excited by the opportunity to represent this club and hopefully we can look back fondly on my career at the Cats.

“To be able to continue my career at such an up and coming club that is hoping to push towards finals next season I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Johnson will add some much needed experience to the Giants’ young forward line that has enormous depth of talent yet nobody who has played more than four seasons.

“They are an exciting group who have shown they can compete at the AFL level,” Johnson said.

“I think they are a group which can certainly challenge for the finals next season. From what I hear the group are hungry and are keen for a bit of success. At this stage it’s about improvement within this group. You never set any limits on what you may end up but certainly there is some scope for improvement but the more experience they get the better they will become.”

The three-time All-Australian was making his first appearance as a GWS Giants player and was presented to the media along with fellow Geelong recruit Dawson Simpson, who will provide some much-needed ruck depth. He’ll team up again with Shane Mumford after playing two seasons with him in 2008 and 2009.

“It will be a bit of a change moving from Geelong to a city of five million,” Simpson said.

Johnson played 253 games and kicked 452 goals in 14 seasons with Geelong.