Coniglio credits Kingsley for form
Giants vice-captain Stephen Coniglio believes he is playing the best football of his career under Adam Kingsley as his side finalises its preparation for the 2024 AFL season.
Coniglio returned to form in sparkling fashion last year, posting some of his best numbers across his 12 seasons in the AFL system. He averaged more than 28 disposals and five clearances as the experience in the Giants midfield shone through in their run to the preliminary final. However, Coniglio credits the feeling that Kingsley has created around the club for ensuring players believe they can contribute without having to look at statistics.
“I think [2023 was] the best in terms of being able to contribute towards the group,” Coniglio said.
“In previous years, I may have had statistically better [seasons], but in terms of output for the team, I’m in the zone at the moment.
“I’m yet to achieve the ultimate success, and I think if I’m being honest, a lot of my early career was around results and winning. What Adam Kingsley has brought in is to try to fall in love with the process.
“The first half of last year, we were losing but we were doing a lot of the right things. His constant messaging was around working on that process and it’ll happen.
“At 29, about to turn 30, it was the one year out of my whole career where I’ve learned the most.”
The Giants will have their final pre-season hitout against Gold Coast on Thursday.
While there were positive signs in the practice match loss to Sydney last week, Coniglio hopes his side can be more clinical with ball use.