GWS midfielder Tim Taranto has described Saturday’s AFL grand final loss as the worst possible scenario for the Giants but refuses to use injuries as an excuse for the “embarrassing” defeat.
The Giants competed with Richmond for a quarter but were blown out of the water, with the Tigers kicking away for an 89-point victory.
“Worst case scenario today,” Taranto said.
“They played their style of footy and we didn’t play ours, probably other than the first quarter a little bit. They were too good for us in that style and that’s the way it happened.”
After three superb finals performances, Saturday’s loss well and truly brought the Giants back to earth in dramatic fashion.
Taranto said the Giants had been ready to go and started strongly but “played into (Richmond’s) hands” after quarter-time.
“It was a dream four weeks and then probably ended the worst way possible,” Taranto said.
“Just wish it was a game for all the world to see for our fans, but it was a bit embarrassing, but we definitely take a lot out of it.”
Taranto defended co-captain Phil Davis, who entered the game amid injury concerns and passed a pre-match fitness test, but looked hampered throughout.
“He’s as good a captain as he could have been this week,” Taranto said.
“Got everyone up and didn’t even know if he was going to play until just before the game started. He did really well.”
Lachie Whitfield returned from a week out with appendicitis, while midfielder Matt de Boer had a knee injury, but Taranto was unwilling to use injuries as an excuse.
“No doubt, a few guys playing with a couple of things but I’m sure they (Richmond) would have, too,” Taranto said.
“‘Dutchy’ (de Boer was) a bit sore but it’s not an excuse. Everyone is a bit sore at this time of year.
“I’m sure they had a few boys under clouds as well so that’s just part of footy and whatever; that’s just how it was today. That wasn’t the reason.”
GWS will welcome back key midfield movers Callan Ward and Stephen Coniglio next year and Taranto believes his side can kick things up a gear.
“We’ve gone one better every year since we came into the league, so we’ll just have to do that again next year and see where it takes us,” he said.