'Don't have to sugar coat it': Errol Gulden grappling with 'resentment' after Sydney's 2024 grand final loss
Sydney midfielder Errol Gulden has admitted his side will not forget the pain of their 60-point grand final loss at the hands of Brisbane last year.
And you don't need to "sugar coat" that loss. They know.
"Every single day," Gulden said, when asked how often they think of that grand final loss.
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And the 22-year-old admits it's not just the immediate playing group who are feeling the sting.
"I'd say it's the same for a large majority of the boys, and everyone involved in the club," he said.
Errol Gulden says the hurt in the 2024 grand final loss sticks with the playing group. Getty
"What we could have done differently, why it happened, what were we thinking as a team, as an individual.
"You don't have to sugar coat it ... it was one of our worst games of the year."
On a personal note, Gulden, who had 24 disposals - the equal most of any Swan in the loss - has painfully reflected on his mistakes, too.
"Disappointment, resentment to how I performed, the team performed but a motivation and drive to really right those wrongs," he said.
Isaac Heeney of the Swans sits on the MCG turf after their 2024 grand final loss to Brisbane. Getty
And there's no point dwelling on their second grand final loss since 2022 and their fourth since 2014.
Most importantly, they have to show their fans that change is coming.
"Our supporters don't want to hear that we've just reviewed it, they want to see us put some stuff into action," he said.
A dejected Errol Gulden of the Swans is consoled by Braeden Campbell after the grand final. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The Swans are well and truly back into pre-season, with new coach Dean Cox putting the playing group through their paces.
Cox, who replaced 2012 premiership coach John Longmire, shook things up by pulling a second surprise 2km time trial on the playing group, just minutes after they finished their first.
But it's the level the club is committed to, with Gulden particularly using last year as fuel.
"Were there gaps in the way we played all year (that) we were able to cover up with moments of brilliance that you can't get away with on Grand Final day?," Gulden said.
"There's stuff we don't want to give away to our opposition, but we've uncovered every stone.
"This is the most motivated I've been for a pre-season ... I've had that bitter taste in my mouth."
