Former captain Phil Davis is philosophical about GWS’s failure in Perth but filthy about perceptions of Leon Cameron’s coaching style and AFL future.
Davis is one of few foundation Giants still at the club, having been part of numerous highs and lows since their maiden season in 2012.
The key defender understands why supporters are impatient and frustrated after GWS’s first 0-2 start since 2013, especially given their stark struggles against Fremantle.
“A lot of players at the club were really, really hurt,” Davis said.
“I’d much prefer to play a game like that in round two than round 12 … I’m very calm, the coaches are very calm.”
The Giants will attempt to reboot their sputtering season on Sunday, when they host an undefeated Melbourne in Canberra.
Another defeat will build further pressure on Cameron, whose job security is already being debated by pundits despite a contract running until the end of 2022.
Davis knows a coach always cops the bulk of flak after a poor performance, but it doesn’t sit well.
“The blame should be spread far more evenly,” he said.
“Blamed for everything bad and get no credit for anything good, that seems to be the role of the coach.
“It’s a pretty easy shot at the coach, in particular our coach, and I take personal offence to that.”
The 30-year-old cited the example of Damien Hardwick and Alastair Clarkson, arguing that winning “two or three flags” is the only way coaches earn acclaim.
“Luke Beveridge doesn’t get many compliments these days, but when they’re losing he seems to be front and centre,” Davis said.
“Could Leon be better? I’m sure he could be. Could our CEO be better? I’m sure he could be. Could I be better? 100 per cent.
“If we looked at it more objectively then we’d realise there are a lot more people at the footy club who need to pull their weight.
“We fundamentally believe in what Leon has got to say. We trust him … if we didn’t believe in what he was saying, there would be disharmony.”
Part of Cameron’s challenge is his 2019 grand finalists appeared to be building something special then fell off a cliff as premiership favourites, failing to make the 2020 finals.
A recently-released documentary, which depicted Cameron dropping captain Stephen Coniglio and plenty of furious f-bombs after losses, has also fuelled a perception that Davis feels is inaccurate.
“You don’t see in that – there is cuddling, prodding and all these different types of management style that he’s trying to get across,” he said.
“The prodding and pushing at times is more sexy for people to look at and draw opinion to.”
Davis also backed Coniglio to bounce back.
“I’m sure he’d like to be playing a bit better football but … so would everyone else,” he said.
“I’ve seen really good growth and I think he’ll continue to grow.”