Greater Western Sydney Giants coach Cam Bernasconi reveals emotional toll on team after ‘really, really difficult week’

GREATER Western Sydney coach Cam Bernasconi was proud of his side’s performance on Saturday after a week that took a heavy “emotional toll” following sanctions imposed on several of the club’s AFL players over their inappropriate post-season celebrations.

The AFLW program took on Hawthorn after the Giants men’s program was in the spotlight for inappropriate costumes and performances at an end-of-season event.

Following an investigation by the AFL Integrity Unit, the players were found to have breached AFL Rule 2.3a, which constitutes improper conduct.

Several players dressed up in costumes and performed skits based on the event’s theme of ‘controversial couples’, with six players suspended and seven others fined.

While the Giants ultimately lost the game to the Hawks by 37 points, they started strong and seriously challenged the high-flying Hawks for the first half of the game, taking the lead at the first break.

“It was a very, very difficult week,” Bernasconi said after the match.

“The club, myself and the playing group – the whole AFLW program – were very disappointed with the actions of what happened, and that ripples through the football club, and I was very proud of the way the girls, you know, got back that this week and then come out.

“There is a huge emotional toll that is not just on the playing group, but on everyone within the football club because of the actions of what has happened.”

The Giants faltered late in the game, conceding seven goals in the second half, which Bernasconi attributes in part to the mental toll the week has taken.

“You probably see a lot of emotional fatigue late in the game, but I was so proud that they came out and played a strong brand of football,” Bernasconi said.

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Captain Bec Beeson’s leadership is something the head coach says has proven to be a difficult period for the club not just this week, but throughout the year.

“I think she’s played her best football this year, but her ability to just pick up the group because it’s been a challenging year,” Bernasconi said.

“Those types of games with short games and losses take energy from you, but Bec’s ability to still play well and bring energy to the group, and especially the last few days, I thought she handled herself and us so well” I’m really, really lucky.”

Although the side have only one win this season – in week one over the Western Bulldogs – Bernasconi is happy with the progress his team is making, especially in its ability to challenge a top-four side for an extended period.

“We are in a development phase of our program, we are just trying to improve what we are good at,” Bernasconi said.

“Most of it is just trying to play our way and see how it compares against a real top four team, and I think we were in an arm wrestle for two and a half quarters to three.

“I’m really proud that the girls can do that, but we’re not yet at the point where we can do four quarters with those top teams.”