When the final siren sounded to bring the GIANTS 2016 season to a close, Stephen Coniglio was one of the most emotional GIANTS.
The heartbreaking six point preliminary final loss to the Western Bulldogs reduced Coniglio and many of his team-mates to tears.
But he wants to use pain of the loss to drive his 2017 season.
“It has to fuel the whole playing group and the staff as well,” Coniglio said.
“There was so much emotion because it meant a lot to us,
“Some people say you have to lose one to win one but for us we’re as shattered as anyone that we didn’t get the opportunity to run out there on Grand Final Day.
“For me personally… it’ll sting for a long time, the whole off season and into the pre-season.”
Coniglio’s season echoed the GIANTS; it was a marked improvement.
The 22-year-old finished the home and away season with the equal most disposals for the GIANTS, was the club’s highest vote getter in the Brownlow Medal and was in the 40 man All Australian squad.
The midfielder was recognised by the GIANTS coaching staff for his efforts, finishing third in the Sheedy Medal count.
“Like the rest of the group, I think we all progressed together and my game was helped by the fact that everyone else around me was playing really good footy,” he said.
“I had a clear role in the midfield and up forward, so for me it was a very enjoyable year I guess.”
2016 also marked Coniglio’s first year in the GIANTS’ leadership team, a role he enjoyed.
“It’s a pretty good leadership setup that we do have with the two captains and with Heath Shaw sitting beneath them,” he said.
“I think the added responsibility can only help you in terms of what you need to be doing and displaying on the field.”
Coniglio, shows his leadership capabilities in the way he looks past the disappointing end to the season by only seeing positives.
“It’s a step in the right direction for the whole football club,” he said.
“It was really a number of firsts for the club, most wins and really a positive year… it’s something to build on.”
