GWS veteran Steve Johnson looks set to move straight into coaching following his playing career, with at least three clubs keen on his services.

The 33-year-old is one of the most wanted coaches among current players, with Eagle Sam Mitchell already committing to stay at West Coast after he retires.

At the end of 2016, with Johnson's playing future still up in the air, the former Geelong champion travelled back to Melbourne and was met with two offers, with a third club also keen to take him on at a later date.

"He was definitely wanted by three clubs and he is committed to wanting to go down that path," his manager Craig Kelly told AFL.com.au.

"People have identified when they've met with him that he gets it and he understands it.

"He knows he's got developing and stuff he needs to do, and the reality is he's going to have to do that when he finishes because he just hasn't got enough time at the moment.

"He will better himself again and he will be in a club environment and a coaching position when his footy finishes."

While Johnson's play this season hasn't been up to his usual high standard, he's still averaging 16 disposals and 2.5 inside 50s a game.

His transition into coaching will be a swift one, as Johnson has completed the Next Coach Program with the help of David Wheadon.

Kelly, who manages six AFL senior coaches as well as Johnson, said the Giants forward is able to articulate his thoughts in ways most others can't.

"The things Stevie keeps talking to me about are keeping the group enthused in the drills and developing skills in fun and interactive ways," Kelly said.

"Some of those freaky guys don't know how to articulate what and how they do what they do. Stevie actually can.

"That's the difference with him." 

AFL.com.au understand two of Melbourne, Hawthorn, North Melbourne and St Kilda may have offered Johnson a role as a development coach, while he also met with Richmond as well.

Late last year he spoke about just how close he was to retiring, before ultimately deciding to stick around for one more tilt at the success.

"Six weeks before the end of the year I'd basically told the club that I'd be hanging the boots up," Johnson told AFL.com.au.

"Given I'd signed a one-year contract with a view of getting into coaching, I started to wonder what 2017 would look like and organised to meet with a couple of clubs about coaching in Melbourne.

"I hadn't definitely made my mind up, but when I saw the look on the boys' faces and the opportunity we'd missed, plus knowing that I probably had a little bit more to give, I decided I wanted to stick around to hopefully help this club try and win a premiership."