After an injury-interrupted season, Ash Johnson has emerged as one of Sturt's biggest weapons heading into this Sunday's SANFL grand final.

The former Collingwood forward produced his best performance of the season in Sturt's preliminary final victory over Woodville-West Torrens, kicking six goals in the 13.16 (94) to 8.7 (55) win.

The result booked Sturt a place in the decider against minor premier Norwood, with the two famous clubs set to meet in a grand final for the first time since 1978.

Johnson's recent form has been particularly important for Sturt after an injury-interrupted first season back at Unley.

The 28-year-old, who grew up in Halls Creek in Western Australia's Kimberley region, was restricted for much of the year after suffering hamstring injuries in both legs.

However, he has found form at the most important time of the season.

Johnson kicked four goals in Sturt's qualifying final victory over Glenelg before adding another six against the Eagles in the preliminary final.

Sturt coach Martin Mattner told The Advertiser earlier in the finals series that Johnson gave his side something different in attack.

"Ash is a point of difference for us," Mattner said.

"He's a goalkicker and just such a hard match-up one-one-one, like (triple Ken Farmer Medallist) Lachie Hosie is for Glenelg, which is probably a factor we don't really have without him.

"Tom Emmett (former Fremantle forward-midfielder) brings a little bit of that, but Ash brings something different again."

Johnson returned to Sturt this year after initially joining West Coast's WAFL program following his departure from Collingwood.

He spent four-and-a-half seasons with the Magpies after being selected from Sturt with pick three in the 2021 AFL Mid-Season Draft.

Johnson played 27 AFL games and kicked 37 goals for Collingwood, becoming known for his athletic marking and ability to create something inside forward 50.

His first season back at Sturt has not been straightforward, with injuries limiting his opportunities throughout the home-and-away campaign.

Johnson told The Advertiser the year had been difficult but said returning to Sturt had helped him rediscover his enjoyment of football.

"Despite the injury setbacks I've found my love for footy again at Sturt," he said.

"After breaking my leg last year at Collingwood, basically missing the whole season and knowing I wasn't going to get another contract, I lost a lot of love for the game.

"But this footy club (Sturt) has been so good to me and helped me regain that love, it lets me be who I want to be and I feel so comfortable here."

Now fit and firing, Johnson will have an opportunity to play a major role on Sunday as Sturt attempts to secure a second consecutive SANFL premiership.