VETERAN Giant Heath Shaw has launched an impassioned defence of under-fire coach Leon Cameron, labelling criticism of him as "boring".
Greater Western Sydney's horrid 41-point defeat to the Swans on Thursday night was its worst performance for the season, and Cameron's men tumbled outside the top eight in the process.
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It was the continuation of what Shaw said was an inconsistent campaign, with a tough match-up with red-hot West Coast to come on Sunday.
They are suddenly at risk of missing the finals after reaching their inaugural Grand Final last year, and it coincides with Cameron being out of contract.
However, Giants chief executive Dave Matthews confirmed in late July that they had reached an in-principle agreement for Cameron to coach for at least the next two years.
The delay in making a new deal official is based on the uncertainty of the AFL's changes to each club's soft cap, which will be significantly reduced in 2021.
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"It actually gets a bit boring, to be honest. When we lose, it's Leon's fault and we produce no effort, then when we win, we win only on talent," Shaw told reporters on Tuesday.
"It's been a trend for a fairly long time with this club, but … we've built some success on our foundations and a game style that works and (includes) players executing that game style.
"Anyone who watched the game last week would know we weren't doing that. It wasn't a performance you've seen very often from us, so the game plan was there – we didn't execute it right."
Shaw said he felt for Cameron because he "has to cop it", but added that external commentary didn't impact them.
"We understand it wasn't good enough last week, and it's a team and coaching staff effort, rather than just the coach's game style that's not right when you're not doing things and you're not winning," he said.
"That sort of (criticism) is going to come, and I think, to be honest, it'll come for the rest of the year and years to come with Leon, no matter what.
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"That's just what's been branded at our club, but we've made four consecutive finals series and we've built up a reputation of being a good team and a great club – and there's no denying that, the record speaks for itself.
"One performance doesn't make a season, and we're just looking forward to getting out there this week and having a win, and even if they say it's a win on talent, I'm happy to take that."
Shaw was unaware of captain Stephen Coniglio's half-time assessment on Fox Footy last week that his side's performance to that stage was "hopeless".
However, he said that comment "wasn't far off the mark".
"He leads by example, 'Cogs', and he knows he has to step up a little bit more, but we're right behind him and the team has to lift together," Shaw said.
"As much as it's something that hits you right between the eyes and you don't want your captain to say you've been hopeless, hopefully that spurs the team on for this week and going forward as well."
Shaw tipped both Toby Greene (hamstring) and Phil Davis (knee) to return for the Eagles clash.
