GWS co-captain Phil Davis says going through the Giants’ tough early years was one of the best character-building experiences of his life and he has no qualms about the AFL review process.
Josh Thomas snapped a goal to bring Collingwood within 20 points of GWS in the final quarter of Saturday’s preliminary final.
While no umpires called for a review, it was looked at by the new video centre, as a so-called ‘silent review’.
Replays clearly showed the ball was touched off Thomas’ boot by GWS defender Lachie Keeffe, but the goal was allowed to stand.
The AFL initially backed the decision, but on Sunday acknowledged the ball had been touched.
Davis was philosophical about the original decision, after which Collingwood built momentum to get within four points in a nailbiting finish.
“I’ve always said on the review system that if they feel like it’s inconclusive, I can accept umpire’s call as being the thing,” Davis said.
“I’ve always been of the belief to overturn a decision you want concrete evidence because umpires are there for a job, they do the best they can.
‘Is it frustrating that they got it wrong, probably.
“But at the end of the day I’m totally comfortable with the fact that they went with the umpire’s call and thankfully we were able to hold on.”
Davis is one of the foundation players at a club that has gone from winning just three matches across their first two seasons to four successive finals campaigns, culminating in a first grand final appearance next Saturday.
“Your first grand final is always a big deal for any footy club and for us to do it in eight years is a terrific achievement,” Davis said.
“All the people that have been here through especially the tough times early on, it’s something special.
“No doubt it was tough at the start, not winning many games and being away from what was comfortable as well, it’s always a challenge.
“But I think it’s been one of the best character building experiences of my life and I’m very excited to see the development of everyone involved in the club.”
