Coniglio supports new GWS skipper
FORMER Greater Western Sydney skipper Stephen Coniglio has turned his disappointment at losing the captaincy into support for his great mate Toby Greene as he desperately chases the premiership that has eluded the Giants.
In his first comments on Greene’s elevation to the club’s sole captaincy Coniglio said he was keen to support the GWS matchwinner with his full backing.
A frank Coniglio admitted he had loved the captaincy but instead of sugar-coating the development, made clear the GWS players instead voted for someone else after three years in the role.
At 29 his sole focus now is helping
Greene return the club to premiership contention under new coach
Adam Kingsley instead of moping about lost honours.
After returning to form with a second-placing in the bestand-fairest, he married his partner Rebecca in October and after a flawless pre-season is ready to build on his 2022 season.
“We spoke a lot about our values and what we wanted to stand for as a group and we had a couple of days to think about it and do a vote on the leadership group and the guys who we wanted to represent us and the captaincy,” Coniglio said.
“We had three last year and we have one going forward and ‘Tobes’ deserves it. I enjoyed my time. It was a massive thrill for me to captain the club but to have such a close mate and role model for players taking over, I am just grateful for the opportunity I have had.
“I want to make sure I can be the best (vice-captain) I can be with Josh (Kelly) like Toby was for me.
“For me the captain should be who the players want.”