Adapting to the sometimes torrential rain better than their opponents, the women ran out 7.3 (45) to 3.7 (25) winners.
Giants’ forwards veteran Cora Staunton, who turns 40 this year, and Rebecca Privitelli were key game changers, scoring three goals each.
Down by four goals, the Saints worked their way back into the game during the second quarter to outscore the Giants 18-0 and trailed by less than a goal late in the third before GWS extended their lead out to 20 points.
Staunton then kicked the only major of the final term to put the game beyond doubt.
Only their third victory for the season, and mathematically still in finals contention, coach Alan McConnell said that while any win was a good win, it was “probably more satisfying” under the tough conditions.
“I was really pleased we got back into rhythm after halftime, albeit when the game just became a game of inches,” he said.
And, as the Giants Men’s team take on St Kilda in the first round of the AFL season at Giants Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday, they could do worse than to follow the women’s example.
The round one game will be the 150th for Giants captain Stephen Coniglio, with the 27-year-old foundation player set to kick off his 2021 season with a life membership of the club.
