There’s a big, big stat floating around the internet lately – and it’s not good reading for the Giants.
The last ten grand finalists to lose the big game by 40 points or more have all failed to win a final the following season.
Geelong in 1996, Sydney in 1997 and 2015, Melbourne in 2001, Collingwood in 2004, Brisbane in 2005, Port Adelaide in 2008, St Kilda in 2011, West Coast in 2016 and Adelaide in 2018 have all either been one-and-done in September the year after a grand final shellacking, or have failed to make it back to the finals altogether.
Nobody since the Cats in 1995, who were demolished by the Eagles the previous season, have been able to win a final the year after a heavy defeat in the decider.
Are Greater Western Sydney at risk of falling in the same hole in 2020, or do the numbers point to Leon Cameron’s side bucking the trend?
We were joined by Roar AFL expert Marnie Cohen on the Game of Codes podcast to look at GWS’ prospects for next season and make a call on what their pass mark is for 2020.
Listen to the debate:
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
Republican
Guest
They don't have to bounce back, since they are assured of unconditional love and support from their creator and to the expedience of all and sundry.
Larry1950
Guest
As a viewer from a distance & sort of Lions follower I'm quietly pleased that the Giants flukes the win over Brisbane with that fortuitous 'handball' because a setback like the Giants copped against the Tigers might not have helped the Lions cause long term. Can see history repeat with the Giants following Melbourne's trajectory in 2020, really has to hurt when you play like that.
IAP
Guest
Draftees don't win you premierships. They'll be ready in 4 or 5 years time, by which time their senior players will either be poached by other clubs or past their best.
josh
Guest
Off the field ? Sure thing.....
anon
Roar Pro
No depth as IAP said. Will be looking for a new ruckman. Phil Davis beaten up. Shaw doesn't have much left in the tank. No shortage of undersized downhill skiers in the midfield. The reality is they won 13 games.
Likey Miller
Guest
GWS were certainly cooked going into the GF, but will be much better for the experience. The list is so talented that they can afford to let go some players so that they can draft a few young guns each year. Their academy will afford them another real steal this draft and they will still have early picks to secure the cream from the draft. On top of all that they have Coniglio and Ward to fit into the side next year. Depth is not a problem for GWS like it is for my mob. GWS will clearly become a powerhouse on and off field.
IAP
Guest
They're cooked. Got no depth and they'll see more players go home in the next year or two.
hayboy
Roar Rookie
I think you mean 2015 (West Coast).
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Gws aint going nowhere, majority of their players are just hitting 25
Cracka
Roar Rookie
They will be back, but will their salary cap stop them going all the way? maybe some of their players need to hand back some cash so the club can bring in players (blue collar types) that do the team first 1 percent acts that win grand finals. And they need an injury free run in the finals.