GREATER Western Sydney star Jeremy Cameron admits he's not sure how long it will take to get over Saturday's Grand Final humiliation at the hands of Richmond.
However, the Coleman medallist vowed that the Giants would find a way and use the Tigers' 89-point thumping to inspire the group to continue building its culture.
The Giants' changeroom was virtually silent after the match until the players emerged from a chat with coach Leon Cameron to the applause of family, friends and loved ones.
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Tears flowed as GWS players consoled each other, the emotion and disappointment of the way they finished such an outstanding season there for all to see.
Cameron, who kicked the opening goal of the Grand Final but struggled to have an impact after the first break as the Tigers took control, said the Giants would lick their wounds but won't be defined by the loss.
"It's crazy comparing the feelings we had last week (after beating Collingwood in the preliminary final) to the feelings we have right now," he said.
"We can go two ways, we can fall away and not want to get back here next year, or we can work harder to become better and make sure we give ourselves another crack at it.
"I know what this club will do.
"We're very tight, we help each other a lot away from football and we're better people because of that.
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"It's going to be tough over the next week and I'm not sure when we'll get over it, but one thing I know for certain is that we will, and we'll come back stronger.
"It's really hard and a bit embarrassing the way the scoreboard blew out in the end, but I'm proud of the club and what we've been able to do.
Toby Greene feels the agony of the Giants' crushing Grand Final defeat. Picture: AFL Photos
"It's enormous for this small club that we're building.
"I was saying to some of our younger boys, it's games like this that makes winning so good."
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Zac Williams was another brave Giant to front the media, and while the devastation of his team's defeat was written all over his face, he found time to pay tribute to the premiers.
The 25-year-old was below his best against the Tigers but never stopped trying, finishing the afternoon with 21 possessions and five tackles playing all over the ground.
"Richmond is the best team in the comp and it's a tough pill to swallow, but they came out and killed it, so all credit goes to them," he said.
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"After the game, Leon touched on how proud he was of the boys to come this far after all the hurdles we had to overcome.
"He talked about Richmond, that's what we aspire to get too.
"They're a powerhouse and that's what we want to be in the coming years."
