GWS interim coach Mark McVeigh has given a scathing assessment of his team after their 40-point loss to Brisbane on Saturday afternoon, questioning the mentality of his players as finals slip out of grasp.
The Giants were comprehensibly overrun by the Lions in the second half, leading by as much as 59 points at one point, while the Brisbane forward line had a day out. Hugh McCluggage finished with four goals and 30 disposals, while Charlie Cameron and Cam Rayner claimed three each.
Against a Brisbane outfit missing the likes of Daniel Rich, Dayne Zorko, Jarrod Berry and Oscar McInerney, the Giants seemed unwilling to put up a fight as the Lions kicked nine goals to four in the second half.
โSome of our players, where are they at with their heads?โ McVeigh said post-game.
โYou canโt have a heavy fade out and sail into the sunset. Theyโre aware of that and I know theyโve got together at the end of the game by themselves. I wonโt be letting up in my approach to train them hard.
โWhen a loss happens like today and last week there are always consequences from a selection point of view.โ
Sam Taylor though was the shining light for the Giants, finishing the match with 15 intercepts. While McVeigh indicated there could be selection changes at the Giants for Round 19's match against Carlton, he praised the rising star for his efforts in what was otherwise a lacklustre performance for GWS.
โHeโs been incredible, Sammy. I donโt like seeing him defend as much as he has to, poor kid,โ McVeigh said.
โHeโs a star, his will to not lose and play for the Giants is as good as anyone. He hurts when we lose. Individual accolades are important but Sam wouldnโt want me saying that, thatโs not who he is. We all sit in amazement at times at how well he can defend.โ
The Giants will next travel to Marvel Stadium to take on the Blues in Round 19, while the search for their next senior coach continues.
