Collingwood veteran Ben Johnson wants to play in the Magpies' round 22 clash with West Coast - and then for another season. 

The 31-year-old had a shoulder reconstruction at the start of May and admits he's battling to play again this year.

But he started running two weeks ago - a week earlier than expected - and is now in the early stages of kicking and marking.

He aims to resume in round 20 in the VFL and play in the seniors a fortnight later.

"I went to 'Bucks' [coach Nathan Buckley] to remind him that with every long-term injury I've had, I've come back pretty well," Johnson told AFL.com.au this week.

"I came back pretty well from a broken leg [in 2009] and then last year I had the hammy twice.

"I'm confident of coming back and playing well. I've just got to make sure the fitness is there and the shoulder strength is there.

" I'll hopefully play a couple of VFL games and I'd like to be back for the West Coast game or the latest Essendon [in round 23] to get a game in before finals."

Johnson had 33 touches in his second game back after his return from the hamstring reoccurrence in round 17 last year, and went on to be one of the Pies' best in the Grand Final loss to Geelong.

His view on his future has changed since he injured his shoulder against the Western Bulldogs in round six.

Johnson denied that he had considered retiring on the spot after hearing he would require a third shoulder reconstruction because he felt he had time to return this year.

In fact, he said the injury had strengthened his desire to play into a 14th season.

"I'd like to go again next year. I'd say now no matter what, I'd like to go again.

"If I played every game I'd probably be saying I'd had enough, but because I'm not playing, my body could take another 20 games, and that's a big difference.

"I would have been happy to win a premiership this year and say that's it, but after doing this, if I don't get back, I'd hate it to finish like that.

"It's been 13 years and no one deserves to go out like that."

Johnson is out of contract at the end of the season and says the club hasn't indicated what will happen in 2013.

He accepts there is a chance the decision will be taken out of his hands.

"If they want me it would be great but if they don't, I understand," he said.

"I'm 31, I've had a few injuries and it's business so I totally understand either way."

He has no regrets about his AFL career nearing its end, but rather excitement about the start of the next phase of his life.

"I'm looking forward to finishing work on a Friday afternoon and then if I want to go away, I can. If I want to have a few beers on a Friday night, I can," he said.

"I'll just enjoy watching the footy. The only thing I'll miss is being at training and lunchtime with the boys. Pre-season is real fun, and playing games if you're winning is fun.

"There's no other job in the world where you can muck around with the boys. I'll miss that."

Jennifer Witham is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenWitham.