GREATER Western Sydney star Ryan Griffen believes the side's poor performance against Geelong last week was a golden opportunity lost.
The Giants had the chance to secure double figure wins in a season for the first time in their history and consolidate their position in the top eight, but a 27-point loss to the Cats saw them drop from seventh to ninth on the ladder.
If the Giants had beaten Geelong as they were expected to do in Canberra, they would have been just one game and percentage off cross-town rivals the Sydney Swans in fourth place.
Instead they are still among a pack of teams including Adelaide, North Melbourne, Collingwood, Geelong and Port Adelaide fighting for a chance to play finals.
Griffen says the playing group knows exactly what last week's defeat meant to their season.
"We were pretty flat (afterwards), we'd worked ourselves up for that game, it was a massive game for the club," Griffen said.
"The lack of effort and energy wasn't there, being a young group that does fluctuate a little bit but that's no excuse.
"We did the review and we watched a few edits (of footage) that we were pretty disappointed with, but hopefully we can rectify that.
"We can move one pretty quick, we've got a big game this week."
The Giants looked out of sorts going forward against the Cats after rising star nominee Cam McCarthy was dropped after a quiet month up forward.
Coach Leon Cameron used ruckmen Rory Lobb and Tom Downie deep forward with Jeremy Cameron but the 2013 All Australian had a quiet day, and the pair of young big men had no impact inside 50.
Defender Adam Tomlinson gave GWS a leading target after quarter-time, but Griffen believes McCarthy could return to senior action this week to face ladder leaders Fremantle at Domain Stadium on Sunday.
The West Australian had 18 possessions, kicked three goals and took seven marks in the NEAFL; with former number one draft pick Jon Patton (five goals, 10 marks) and James Stewart (four goals, six marks) also starring.
"It was hard to find a target but to Geelong's credit they played really well defensively and structured up really well," Griffen said.
"The guys that have come in are only 20-21 years of age, you've got to understand that.
"There's plenty of depth, it would be nice to get Jonny (Patton) back as soon as possible, he's key to us.
"They're performing well in the NEAFL and pushing hard for selection."
Fremantle has already ruled out brilliant midfielder Nat Fyfe, but even without the Brownlow medal favourite, the dockers will be a tough prospect on the home deck.
Despite the disappointment of last week, Griffen says the players haven't been disheartened.
"There's still confidence there, we're still around the mark," Griffen said.
"We have been up and down over the last few weeks but I'm pretty sure the way we've been training that we're going to hit our straps soon.
"Hopefully we're going to go over there and play the footy that we know we can."
