GWS have locked in an AFL elimination final derby clash with Sydney after sealing their top-eight spot with a 14-point win over Carlton.
The Blues, determined to send off Eddie Betts and Levi Casboult on a high note amid uncertainty over coach David Teague’s future, flew out of the blocks but the Giants pegged them back then prevailed 12.17 (89) to 11.9 (75).
As a result, GWS pulled six points clear of Essendon and Fremantle to guarantee a finals spot and seventh place – and a date with the sixth-placed Swans.
“Really proud, 0-3 and clearly the season not going the way we wanted to start and lots of injuries,” coach Leon Cameron said.
“Our young fellas have really stood up in the back half of the year and we get to play another finals series.”
Giants’ midfield quartet Josh Kelly, Tim Taranto Jacob Hopper and Callan Ward were crucial to the game turning in their favour.
Ed Curnow was sensational for the Blues, kicking four goals and racking up 25 disposals, while captain Patrick Cripps dominated early before being substituted out with a foot injury for Paddy Dow in the third term.
Betts was playing his 350th and final AFL game after a decorated career, while Casboult, who wasn’t offered a contract for 2022, was signing off for the Blues in his 154th game, with the pair kicking two goals apiece.
The Blues were aggressive early and dominated clearances and contested possession – but only led by seven points at quarter-time.
Hopper sparked the Giants in the second quarter when he won a loose ball and sidestepped three Blues in succession before snapping a clever goal.
From there, GWS cranked up the heat, drawing within a point at halftime, then hitting the front early in the third quarter.
The Giants nudged their lead beyond three goals early in the fourth term and held on through a late Blues fightback.
“The last game with nothing on the line, it’s not always easy,” Teague said.
“But whether it was for Levi, whether it was for Eddie, whether it was just pride in putting this jumper on, I thought the guys cracked in even late.
“When they kicked a couple, they kept coming to score and I was very proud of them tonight.”
Betts was chaired off by Casboult and Mitch McGovern and given a guard of honour.
GWS wore their Indigenous guernsey on the night as a tribute and presented Betts with a guernsey post-match.
“A bit emotional. 350 games but it’s been a long journey, a good journey,” Betts told Fox Footy.
“What do you do – just enjoy playing footy, love putting smiles on faces.
“Couldn’t get the win but what do you do?”
GWS captain Stephen Coniglio was substituted into the game in the fourth quarter, replacing Xavier O’Halloran (calf tightness).
Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning was taken from the field on a stretcher late after hitting his head on the ground in an awkward landing from a spectacular mark.
Teague said De Koning was concussed but okay after the match.
AAP
