‘Don’t sugarcoat it’: Swan‘s prickly response to journo as star grilled over ’bitter reality’

“We’ve talked about as a team – was it mentally?” he continued. Where were we? Were there any weaknesses in our team’s performance throughout the season that we might have been able to make up for with outstanding performances that you can’t get away with on the grand final day?

“Every stone has been found. It is up to us as a playing group to get out there and actually do something about it, even if we watch the game again and discuss it endlessly.

“What has really motivated me is the bitter taste that has been in my mouth since the game ended.

“Yes, I did watch the game. I was personally embarrassed and deeply disappointed.

“You have two options, in a sense: either you hide from it or you face it head-on and use it to your advantage.”

According to Gulden, the Swans won’t be “reinventing the wheel” in 2025 under new coach Dean Cox.

“As a football team, we have maintained many of the foundations of our game plan and our desired style of play. Horse’s (Longmire) coaching record speaks for itself.” We did a lot of things right last year, and the coach is amazing,” he remarked.

“We’re not starting from scratch.”With a few minor adjustments here and there, Cox has aimed to push our minds. It’s been bloody torment, and I won’t claim it’s been enjoyable.

“Coxy has in and added a new perspective. It has been a truly thrilling site to visit every day.

Prior to their first official preseason encounter against the Gold Coast on February 28, the Swans will play a practice match against GWS on February 21.

Swan’s sardonic reaction to the star’s property BUY SAGA LOOMS AS TRADE

Gulden also dismissed colleague Chad Warner’s purchase of a property in Perth, calling the nearly $3 million pad a “nice holiday home.”

Warner’s contract expiration will be a major topic in 2025, and there is a lot of conjecture that the midfield star may move back to Western Australia.

And Warner’s recent acquisition of an opulent Perth residence only served to stoke that conversation.

However, Gulden is certain that neither Warner nor the Swans will be derailed this season by the contract circus.

Gulden chuckled, “Obviously a nice holiday house for him.”