GWS can improve crowds, TV viewers by winning in style
They are one of the most exciting teams in the AFL but hardly anyone is watching. GWS players have noticed the poor crowds and are intent on winning over a fickle Sydney audience.
Stephen Coniglio is confident a winning brand of football will put more bums on seats at GWS games as a rival coach admits “they’re going to be tough to beat”.
Only 7581 fans watched GWS demolish Gold Coast Suns at Giants Stadium on Saturday and while the club’s vice-captain was far from critical, he hopes if the goals and victories keep piling up, then word will spread.
Coniglio was again outstanding against the Suns with 36 disposals, three goals, eight tackles and 13 marks.
The Suns were never going to be the biggest draw or bring a huge travelling army of fans.
At nearby ANZ Stadium, the NRL match between Canterbury and Canberra drew just 7213 fans, although that game had 220,000 viewers on Fox League compared to the Giants’ paltry 32,000 on Fox Footy.
The relatively small crowd did register with Coniglio.
“A little bit, you do (notice), especially when you run out for the warm-up,” he said.
“Look, it’s tough. Today would have been hard for families.
“The schedule itself, 1.45pm, the kids are probably playing footy themselves or other sports, parents might have things on a Saturday around this time. We’ve got to keep winning games and people will come.”
Coniglio was delighted with his side’s strong finish against the Suns.
“Last week it dropped off (in the final quarter),” he said.
“To keep it going, and we kicked a lot of goals in that last quarter, was pleasing.”
It’s been a challenging month for Coniglio but with finger and knee niggles all seemingly sorted, he’s in a good place. Just don’t ask him about a new contract.
“We’ll leave that for another day,” he said.
As for the team being right up there, Suns coach Stuart Dew has no doubt the Giants are the real deal.
“That’s the best side we’ve played all year, for sure,” he said.
“They have weapons all over the ground. They are going to be tough to beat.”
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