AFL 2024: GWS coach Adam Kingsley bemused by missed goal
GWS coach Adam Kingsley says his side is “trending towards” its best at the right time of the season but was concerned by a patchy performance against Melbourne on Saturday night.
A two-point win brought the Giants to the verge of finals qualification, but it came with two major scares as Melbourne started strongly and then roared home to reduce the margin to less than a kick with a minute remaining.
Kingsley said he still wanted his team to have “a few more of our moments” in matches as another significant test looms against Hawthorn in Canberra next Sunday.
He said former captain Stephen Coniglio was set to be a welcome addition to the Giants’ midfield for the clash after missing the past fortnight with a shoulder injury.
The 30-year-old has endured a frustrating run this season, failing to play more than three games in succession due to a previous shoulder injury and a knee problem.
“(Coniglio) was touch and go this week, but we decided we’d rather be safe than sorry, and so I would expect he’ll be fine,” Kingsley said.
“I think Josh Kelly will be another week away with his calf, but he’s been training well.”
The Giants coach said they “didn’t turn up to play” as they were comprehensively beaten in a 35-8 first quarter on Saturday night.
“We gave them a fair start in the first quarter – I just felt like we didn’t turn up to play, we weren’t really up for the fight. I thought we were a bit asleep so I was pretty stern with the messaging (at quarter-time),” Kingsley said.
“We’re trending towards (our best) … we’ve still got a fair bit of work to do.
“It was a patchy game tonight for us, in terms of playing our best but also allowing Melbourne to have moments where they really dominated us. We need to smooth them over and have a few more of our moments.”
Kingsley said Jesse Hogan’s four goals were a fitting reward for effort as the Giants spearhead moved within reach of Coleman Medal leader Charlie Curnow.
“I thought he was competing for the most part and then, as it tends to, he plugs away and good things happen to the guys that work hard – and that’s Jesse,” Kingsley said.
“He smothered one on the goal line, which I don’t think I’ve ever seen before.”
Kingsley said he was in disbelief when 18-year-old Harvey Thomas drilled the ball into Hogan to butcher a certain goal during the second term.
“You can’t do anything but laugh really – you’ve got a free player in the goalsquare and you kick it into him,” he said.
Thomas told the Seven broadcast after the game he “needed to give that one” by handball, but his senior teammate said he should’ve got his body out of the way.
“My reflexes are getting a bit old and a bit slow – we’ll work on our connection throughout the week and we’ll go from there,” Hogan said.
“We made it exciting for people at home (with the close margin), but Kingers won’t be too happy with that.”
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