THE GWS Giants have progressed to the second week of September for the sixth time in eight seasons after a resilient 24-point elimination final win against St Kilda at the MCG on Saturday.
The Orange tsunami, under first-year coach Adam Kingsley, brought a relentless mix of grit and flair to see off several challenges and win 15.11 (101) to 11.11 (77).
Experienced pair Lachie Whitfield (31 disposals and seven inside 50s) and Josh Kelly (27 and two goals) were outstanding, while midfielder Tom Green (36 and nine inside 50s) produced a massive performance.
The run of half-back Lachie Ash (31 and 10 rebounds) was critical, with ruckman Kieren Briggs (28 hit-outs and eight clearances) also giving the team an unexpected advantage.
In an otherwise even team performance that was orchestrated without key midfielder Stephen Coniglio, who was a late withdrawal, Jake Riccardi booted three goals and Toby Bedford (two) stood up in attack.
Two of this year’s surprise finalists after appointing new coaches in the off-season, the Giants and Saints each entered September in form and went goal for goal early as they fought to get the game on their terms.
When Brent Daniels converted his 45m set shot, the Giants had their highest first-quarter score at the MCG and an 18-point lead at the first break in enemy territory.
The Giants had all the answers again in the third as they built a 43-point lead, before the Saints then cut the margin to 25 points in the final quarter and set them a challenge to finish the job, which they did.
The Giants now head into their second semi-final against Port Adelaide on Saturday from 7.40pm at the Adelaide Oval.
