How re-signing of GWS 'heart and soul' Stephen Coniglio changed Giants' fortunes
Since Stephen Coniglio re-signed, everything GWS touches turns to gold.
Giants co-captain Phil Davis hadn't quite thought of it like that. Until now.
""I probably haven't thought of the coincidence there but we have played pretty well since," Davis told reporters on Friday.
Since Coniglio's bumper seven-year deal to remain at GWS was announced on August 27, the Giants haven't lost.
There was the pummelling of the Western Bulldogs in an elimination final. The brutal battle of Brisbane to get past the Lions in a semi.
Then mauling the Magpies at the MCG in a preliminary final heart-stopper.
Giants coach Leon Cameron and Stephen Coniglio share a laugh during a practice session Getty
Coniglio hasn't played since hurting a knee against Richmond in round 17 and will miss Saturday's grand final.
But his influence looms large among Giants teammates given a pre-finals fillip from his fresh contract.
"Steve's the heart and soul of our footy club," said star winger Lachie Whitfield.
Coniglio ruled himself out of the grand final midweek in a selfless move lauded by teammates.
"He made the right decision of what was best for our footy team tomorrow," Whitfield said.
Stephen Coniglio of the Giants kicks during a Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL training session Getty
"Unfortunately he can't play but the best thing about our club at the moment is the guys who aren't playing are still just as happy for everyone else that is playing.
"Not only will we try and win for him but for our full list that's played all year to get us to this game."
Coniglio and injured co-captain Callan Ward had been upbeat as the Giants prepare for the club's first grand final.
"Two higher calibre people you won't meet," Davis said.
"Their ability to separate themselves for the greater good is amazing.
"Wardy and Cogs have got every opportunity and right to be low and sulk around because they are missing an opportunity.
Coniglio shares an embrace with Giants coach Leon Cameron after the Giant's preliminary final win Getty
"But their happiness, their want for us to have a great week outweighs that."
Veteran backman Heath Shaw said Coniglio's contract evidenced a healthy culture among Giants players.
"We're built on some really good foundations and good people, and that's what we have always strived to be," Shaw said.
"We're not going to force you to stay. We want people that want to stay at this club and it has showed over the last few years that guys have re-signed.
"We're always going to lose a few here and there but we've maintained our core ... playing in a grand final after eight years in the competition is an amazing achievement."
- With Michael Ramsey
