A spot in a Preliminary Final is up for grabs as the GIANTS and the Lions clash in a do or die Semi-Final at ENGIE Stadium.

GIANTS v Lions 
Saturday, September 14 at 7:30pm
ENGIE Stadium | Wangal Country

What it Means for the GIANTS

The GIANTS’ top four finish means they have a second chance at a spot in a Preliminary Final despite last week’s heart-stopping six-point loss to the Swans at the SCG.  

While eventually falling to the fast-finishing Swans, the GIANTS will enter Saturday’s Semi-Final  full of confidence following a strong performance against the minor premiers in what was one of the games of the season.

The GIANTS’ pressure rating was at its second highest mark for the season against the Swans and they’ll have to replicate that against the Lions on Saturday to give themselves their best chance of taking down last year’s grand finalist. 

The orange tsunami will roll into ENGIE Stadium on Saturday with a strong recent record against the Lions, having smashed the visitors by 54 points in Canberra in round seven before storming home to win by 18 points at the Gabba in round 22. 

The GIANTS is set to be bolstered by the return of Toby Bedford against the Lions after overcoming a calf injury which kept him out of the clash with the Swans.

As they fight for a spot in a Preliminary Final against the Cats at the MCG next week, the GIANTS will also celebrate two milestones on Saturday, with Finn Callaghan and Kieren Briggs both set to play their 50^th AFL games.

The Opposition    

The Lions will continue their premiership push on Saturday after keeping their season alive with a comfortable 28-point win over the Blues in last week’s Elimination Final at the Gabba.

Incredibly the Lions led 60-0 late in the second term before withstanding a temporary fightback from the Blues to run out 14.15 (99) to 11.5 (71) winners.

Recent All-Australian Dayne Zorko was again instrumental for the Lions in the win and will need to be checked closely by the GIANTS on Saturday, with the attacking half back finishing with 29 touches to propel many of the Lions’ attacking forays.

Midfield trio Lachie Neale (27), Hugh McCluggage (24) and Will Ashcroft (20) were also influential in the win and will be looking to carry over their strong form into Saturday with a spot in a preliminary final on the line.

Jack Payne (knee) is the only injury concern for the Lions, with the key defender fighting to prove his fitness for the clash with the GIANTS.

Recent History  

While the Lions hold a 3-2 advantage in the last five meetings between the sides, it has been the big big sound heard following the final siren of the last two meetings this season.

After a clinical 54-point win over the Lions in Canberra in round seven, the GIANTS backed it up with a huge final term at the Gabba in round 22 to end the Lions’ nine-match winning streak. 

The impressive win came after the GIANTS trailed by 30-points at the first change, with the Lions clinical early on to hold a 31-1 lead at the quarter-time break.  

The GIANTS kicked into gear across the second half however, kicking 13 of the last 17 goals to secure a gutsy comeback win in enemy territory. 

Young guns Aaron Cadman and Darcy Jones kicked five goals between them in a huge final term in the round 22 win, helping the GIANTS come from 15 points down in the final quarter to kick the last six goals of the game and win 13.4 (82) to 8.16 (64). 

Tom Green (28 touches, five clearances), Lachie Whitfield (25 touches), Finn Callaghan (24 touches), and James Peatling (20 touches, nine clearances) were the major ball winners, while Jesse Hogan also kicked three goals alongside Cadman. 

Key Match-Up: Battle of the Big Bodied Mids  

Saturday’s Semi-Final will likely see one of the competition’s best big-bodied midfielders in Tom Green go up against one of the AFL’s best defensive midfielders in Josh Dunkley.

Green will enter the clash following a superb performance against the Swans last week, with the inside bull leading the way to finish with 32 disposals and 10 clearances.

With Dunkley one of the competition’s best at restricting the influence of inside midfielders, a match-up with Green on Saturday looms as the likely match-up.

Green has strong form against the Lions in their two prior meetings this season, finishing with 28 touches and five clearances in the round 22 win and 37 touches, seven clearances and a goal in the huge ANZAC Day win in Canberra in round seven.

GIANTS Player to Watch: Toby Bedford

Zippy small forward turned tenacious tagger Toby Bedford is in line to return this week where several star Lions could be in his sights. 

Establishing himself as one of the AFL’s most effective taggers, Bedford could return for a run-with role in Saturday’s huge Semi-Final with two-time Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale, silky winger Hugh McCluggage or penetrating defender Dayne Zorko all worthy of attention. 

After missing the last two games with a calf injury, Bedford’s ability to limit the influence of one of the Lions’ prime movers on Saturday is sure to go a long way to the GIANTS securing another preliminary final appearance.

In the Mix 

While Bedford has been ruled fit for selection, the likes of Jake Riccardi, Harvey Thomas, Callum Brown, Nick Haynes, and Conor Stone are also available if Adam Kingsley opts to make any other changes to his side.

Team Selection      

The GIANTS will name their Semi-Final team on Thursday at 6:20pm at gwsgiants.com.au. 

Rehab Report     

Get a full injury update ahead of Saturday’s final here.  

Where to Watch     

Saturday's match will be shown live and free on Channel Seven from 7pm, as well as on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally. 

Be part of the #BigBigSound in 2024 - For all the latest news, follow @GWSGIANTS on social media: Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram