First-year coach Adam Kingsley has breathed new life into underdogs Greater Western Sydney.
The Giants will play finals for the primary time in three years, turning round from their Sixteenth-position end final season – their lowest inserting since 2014.
GWS midfielder and All-Australian nominee Tom Green says it was Kingsley who saved the group going regardless of spending 18 consecutive weeks outdoors of the highest eight.
“Kingsley was really strong in his convictions that we can play finals this year, that we should be aiming for that even at the start of the year,” Green advised AAP.
“He was absolutely certain that if we just got a few things right, we’d be able to turn that season around and it’s followed suit.
“The method that he noticed it and the boldness that he had – it rubbed off on the taking part in group.”
Kingsley’s confidence has also brought out the best in emerging star Kieren Briggs.
Briggs will play in his first final with the Giants after a meteoric rise in the competition.
Joining GWS in 2019, he made his AFL debut in his third season and in four years played a total of nine games.
Since replacing Matt Flynn in round 10 against St Kilda, Briggs has become Kingsley’s preferred ruck and has played 14 matches to date in 2023.
The northern Sydney local averaged the most clearances (6.4 per game) out of any ruck during the regular season.
“The alternative that the coach has given me and the idea that the gamers have given me, I take loads of confidence in that,” Briggs advised AAP.
“Before the season began, nobody actually gave us an opportunity.
“If we’re honest with ourselves, (the start of the season) wasn’t looking great, but we never lost hope.
“Obviously, Leon (Cameron) our previous coach did such a very good job however Adam’s are available in and simply introduced a breath of contemporary air.
“We have a really good culture at the club at the moment.
“Win, lose or draw – we’re onto the following week.”
The Giants’ elimination remaining on Saturday, September 9 on the MCG in opposition to the Saints would be the first post-season conflict between the 2 golf equipment.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
