HAVING watched his seething on-field leaders take control during GWS’s week of self-critique, coach Leon Cameron expects a strong response in Sunday’s AFL clash with Carlton.
The Giants were embarrassed last Sunday in a 33-point loss to Hawthorn, which board member Jimmy Bartel described as the “worst performance” in the club’s history.
Foundation Giants Phil Davis, Stephen Coniglio, Jeremy Cameron and Callan Ward, who is recovering from a season-ending knee injury, are among the old hands who set the tone in the days of introspection that followed the upset.
Leon Cameron’s team face Carlton this weekend, returning to Giants Stadium for the first time since April 6.
“Everyone has bad days and you want to respond,” Cameron said.
“I expect our players to respond … we need to respond.
“Our leaders in the past have taken responsibility and they’ve put their hand up (again).
“I’m really proud of them and I’ve got great confidence they’ll lead the way on Sunday.”
GWS are the only side to have beaten ladder-leading flag favourites Geelong this season.
However, the expansion club’s premiership credentials took a hit last week and they will likely slide out of the top four if they lose to last-placed Carlton.
“Every side will go through some ups and downs. We know it’s a marathon,” Cameron said.
“History shows that you don’t (win every week). Even premiership sides in the past haven’t.
“That’s no excuse, because we accept our performance was poor and we’ve got to do something about it.”
© AAP 2019
