GWS star Tom Green knows he won’t be “objective” over the controversial free kick that ended up deciding their AFL loss to Hawthorn.
But the Giants midfielder says he had no choice but to put pressure on James Sicily as the Hawks captain had a long-range snap late in Saturday’s Launceston clash.
Green made contact with Sicily a fraction late, with the kick going out on the full.
Luke Breust was paid the free kick downfield and his goal gave Hawthorn the six-point win.
“I have watched it back. I don’t know if my opinion is the most objective, so I’m not sure it’s worth anything and I understand umpiring is a hard gig – tough decisions have to be made,” Green said on Tuesday.
“In my opinion, I made a legitimate play, putting pressure on James Sicily.
“If he wheels around there under no pressure, he’s going to kick a goal.”
The loss means GWS have lost four of their past five games, with coach Adam Kingsley acknowledging they are in a mid-season lull.
Commentator and Giants board member Jimmy Bartel was scathing after the Launceston loss, saying they are not learning from their mistakes and are lacking attention to detail.
“I don’t think it was a step back, but we’re certainly not progressing like we were at the start of the year and the way that we’d like,” Green said of the Hawthorn loss.
“We’re still learning a lot of stuff – last year obviously we finished the year really, really well and so there are a lot of expectations.
“It’s definitely fair commentary from Jimmy … he wouldn’t be alone in thinking that.
“I suppose it’s a good challenge, when someone like that, within your club as well, is challenging you in that way.”
GWS host Port Adelaide on Sunday, with the two teams badly needing a scalp.
Green is relishing the midfield match-ups against Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis and probably Connor Rozee, who is set to return from injury.
“You don’t want to get too wrapped up in seeing exactly what they’re doing and taking away from your own game,” he said.
“But you have to have an understanding of what they’re doing, because they’re such great players.
“If you go in underprepared, they can really make you pay. There is a balance.”
Green is managing an ankle injury he suffered a month ago, but stressed it was not affecting him too much.
“It’s taken some ongoing management, but it’s OK. It hasn’t given me too much trouble,” he said.
Green is also acutely aware that opponents are trying to curb his influence, crediting Giants midfield coach Ben Hart with helping him deal with the added attention..
“It is something that this year I’ve faced a whole lot more,” he said.
“In that way, it is a compliment. Opposing teams understand that I can contribute to us winning the game – it’s stuff you have to face and deal with.
“I feel I’ve gotten better at dealing with it.”
Source Agencies
