The GWS Giants disappointing season has come to an end after a 52 point smashing by the St Kilda Saints at the Gabba.
The Giants needed a big win to be any chance of playing finals, but were blown away in the second half as the Saints ran away with it 12.10 (82) to 3.12 (30).
There was plenty of attacking play in the first quarter but it was the Saints that made the most of their opportunities kicking 3.3 to 1.5 to open up a 10 point lead at quarter time.
Former Giant Jack Steele got the Saints off to a flyer in the second quarter with a superb snap to extend the margin.
The Giants hit back with quick goals to Jake Riccardi and Toby Greene to reduce the margin to just 3 points halfway through the quarter, but that was as close as they would get for the rest of the night.
The Saints kicked the final goal of the half for a 9 point half time lead and after the break they really began to flex their muscles.
Led by All-Australian contender Steele who had ten clearances, seven tackles and kicked two goals, the Saints were able to dominate the stoppages and never looked threatened by a lacklustre Giants team.
They kicked seven goals to none in the second half to book their place in the finals for the first time since 2011 and will most likely play the Magpies or Bulldogs in an elimination final.
The win and finals berth clearly meant a lot to the club with the team song belted out with plenty of gusto as the nine year finals drought comes to an end.
After featuring in a grand final last year, many expected the Giants to be there on the big stage again this year, but instead they will miss the finals altogether for the first time since 2015.
There are set to be plenty of changes for the Giants over the off season with star players Jeremy Cameron and Zac Williams out of contract and still yet to commit to the club while veterans Shane Mumford and Heath Shaw are set to retire.
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