Giants Hold Off Saints in Thrilling Finish to Secure Home Final
What a game of footy it was at Engie Stadium. Greater Western Sydney had to dig deep, but in the end, they held their nerve to secure an 11-point win over St Kilda, locking in a home elimination final. The scoreline finished 15.14 (104) to 14.9 (93), and while the Giants celebrated, Saints fans were left wondering what might have been after such a spirited performance.
This clash was everything you’d want in a round 24 contest—see-sawing momentum, plenty of goals, and some genuine heart-in-mouth moments. The lead changed hands multiple times in the second half, and it felt like either team could have snatched it. But when the game was on the line, Toby Greene stepped up in the way only a captain can. He pulled down two spectacular marks, kicked four goals, and sparked the Giants just when they were slipping. It was one of those classic Greene performances, where his presence seemed to lift the whole side.
St Kilda, though, made the Giants earn every bit of it. Young forward Darcy Wilson was outstanding, booting a career-best five goals and giving the Saints real hope. For much of the match, their pressure and defensive structure forced the Giants into errors, and at three-quarter time, the game was on a knife’s edge. Zak Jones even had a late chance to give the Saints back the lead, but his set shot drifted wide, leaving the door open for the Giants’ surge.
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Tom Green was another Giant who stood tall, racking up 33 disposals and a goal, while young Max Gruzewski chipped in with three majors in a promising display. Harry Himmelberg also celebrated his 200th game in style, not only kicking a long bomb to open the scoring but taking 12 marks and proving solid in defence after his early cameo forward.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for GWS. Vice-captain Stephen Coniglio was forced off before halftime with concussion after a heavy clash. His recovery will now be watched closely, especially with finals just around the corner. The pre-finals bye could prove a blessing for him.
On the Saints’ side, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera had plenty of the ball—23 disposals and seven clearances—but couldn’t quite convert on the scoreboard, registering three behinds when goals might have changed the momentum. Still, his impact in general play showed why the Saints moved quickly to re-sign him earlier this week.
In the end, though, the Giants found an extra gear late. Darcy Jones kicked the sealer inside the final minute to ensure the win, and with it, the chance to play a home elimination final in front of their fans. There’s even the faint possibility they could sneak into the top four, but that depends on other results falling their way.
For now, though, GWS can take plenty of confidence into September. They were tested, pushed to the limit by a brave St Kilda outfit, but when the moment arrived, their leaders stood tall and the job was done. This was the kind of win that can galvanize a finals campaign.
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