Retiring star Steve Johnson says Greater Western Sydney remain on the right track to premiership glory after the Giants' latest preliminary final heartache.
Seldom do teams bolt out of the blue to win the premiership and the Giants are no different despite many believing they will be the next on-field superpower of the competition.
Last year's winner, the Western Bulldogs, made the finals in 2015. This year's fairytale story Richmond endured failed Septembers in 2013-15, while this year is Adelaide's third consecutive finals appearance. Johnson, who described the defeat as "another missed opportunity", was part of the Geelong side which fell short in 2003-04 before climbing the mountain three times.
While there are some, including, former premiership stars Kane Cornes and Matthew Lloyd, who believe the club has failed this season by not making the grand final, Giants chief David Matthews stated last week the year would be viewed as a success regardless of the weekend result.
The Giants also bowed out at the preliminary final last year but this time were beaten well before the final siren.
"If they keep getting back here, they'll keep giving themselves opportunities and they'll go on with it," Johnson said.
Johnson is unlikely to be at the Giants next year and is believed to be taking an assistant coaching job with cross-town rival the Swans, where former premiership teammate Tom Harley is the head of football. It's understood the Giants have offered Johnson a role that includes other aspects of the club whereas the Swans' role is full-time coaching.
Johnson, however, has bowed out a popular member of the Giants team, who almost to a man embraced him as he bid a tearful exit from the MCG.
The 34-year-old signed off on a low personal note after being held goalless and making several errors with his 15 disposals but will be remembered as one of the finest showmen of his era and a star in his own right.
"I was pretty quiet. It was a hard game but you always want to have a bit more influence than what I did," Johnson said. "On reflection, I'm disappointed as a team we didn't get the job done. I'm not too worried about my own performance."
That Johnson fought his way back into the 22 after being dumped on the eve of the final was a small victory in itself.
"I'm a supreme optimist so I always felt I'd get back. I was confident we'd go on and play in a grand final," Johnson said.
"We took it right up to the Tigers today for a half but you have to give them credit. They were the best side out there, they ran over the top of us in the third quarter, we just couldn't stop them.
"They've earned their right to play in a grand final against the Crows next week, our boys another missed opportunity."
Coach Leon Cameron said Johnson, whom he did not blame for the loss, had left a big impression on the Giants since his arrival at the end of 2015. Forwards Jonathon Patton and Toby Greene have both benefited from Johnson's counsel inside 50.
"I think we have to remember how good a player he has been. He's been great for our footy club the two years," Cameron said.
"He's taught us how to compete when things aren't going well. Clearly, he has been hampered by his body but we've found a way. We like that spirit and it's rubbed off on our players."
