GWS coach Adam Kingsley didn't mince his words when discussing key forward Jesse Hogan's impact in his return game from injury.
Hogan bypassed the VFL after overcoming his hip injury, but a measly 10 disposals and one goal in the loss to St Kilda on Sunday, well below his lofty standards, were noticeable.
The Coleman Medallist last played in Round 8 against Gold Coast.
"We felt like with his quality, he's one of those guys who's capable of turning it on. He didn't (on Sunday), so I got that wrong," Kingsley said.
"I don't think he had an impact on the game.
"Which was kind of expected and understandable. He's missed a bit of footy, missed a month. It's hard to then slot straight back in and have an impact, particularly at that size, you're doing to be defended pretty much all the time. So, I don't know if we necessarily helped him a lot with some of our entries. Thought we could have been a little better with him, but he will be better next week."
The defeat pushes the Giants outside the top 10 with a 6-7 win-loss record.
"I think (the 6-7 result line) paints an accurate picture of our season so far, but I think we're a better team than that. But talk's cheap, isn't it?" Kingsley said.
GWS face Carlton at home before a tough stretch of clashes against Hawthorn, Fremantle and Geelong.
