The GIANTS have secured a double chance in the finals, flirting with disaster before firing in the final quarter in a 21-point win over West Coast at Spotless Stadium.
The GIANTS flirted with disaster on Saturday but a courageous Kelly, who finished with a club-record 43 disposals, recovered from a nasty collision to help them edge the Eagles and stay in the hunt for the minor premiership.
The GIANTS prevailed 12.9 (81) to 9.6 (60), with Kelly kicking one goal and setting up another as his side booted the final three goals of a scrappy contest.
The 22-year-old's presence on the field during a frantic finish was inspirational, let alone his deeds with the Sherrin.
Kelly, who is yet to re-sign with the GIANTS as he weighs up rival offers worth approximately $1 million a season, was crunched after a courageous attempt to spoil Josh Kennedy in the final quarter.
The GIANT desperately threw himself into the path of Kennedy's hip, wearing a heavy blow to the head that drew blood.
"He's had a huge year. That's why we value him so much," coach Leon Cameron said of Kelly.
"We understand where he's at in terms of that contract. He's wanted by us, no doubt he wants to stay at our footy club.
"On the back of those sort of performances, you can understand why other clubs are looking at him, because he's a pretty god-damn good player."
Kennedy completed the mark and slotted his fourth goal, reducing the hosts' lead to a single point.
But Toby Greene's third goal served as a near-instant response, then Shane Mumford and Kelly slotted goals to leave the Eagles' finals hopes hanging by a thread.
"We knew what was on the line. Bitterly disappointing we didn't get the result," Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.
Cameron suggested Kelly was given the all clear to return soon after his head knock.
"The doctors for every club are very, very, very careful in their analysis of whether a player goes back on," Cameron said.
"He got split open just above his eye, so we'll monitor that, but he seems OK.
"It was a big contest ... for him to put his head in the hole, he just wants to win."
The GIANTS’ class became clear when it mattered most but their lack of composure for most of the pressure-laden contest was notable.
Poor decisions and clumsy blunders meant they repeatedly turned the ball over, gifting far too many goals.
"The turnovers were a little bit ugly at times," Cameron admitted.
The result means the final-round battle between Geelong and the GIANTS will be a play-off for second spot on the ladder.
The crowd of 15,751 was a non-derby record for Spotless Stadium.
MEDICAL ROOM
GIANTS: Shane Mumford had a slight issue with his left ankle and started the second half on the bench, but had it re-strapped and played out the match. Josh Kelly copped a cut above the eye but is in no danger of missing next week's game.
West Coast: The Eagles looked like they got through the game without any major problems.
NEXT UP
The GIANTS head to Geelong for a massive final round clash with the Cats on Saturday night, while West Coast will host Adelaide in the season's last match at Domain Stadium on Sunday.
GIANTS: 2.1 7.4 8.6 12.9 (81)
WEST COAST: 3.1 6.3 8.5 9.6 (60)
GOALS
GIANTS: Greene 3, Deledio 2, Patton, Whitfield, Wilson, Shiel, Kelly, Mumford, Scully
West Coast: Kennedy 4, Priddis 2, Petrie, Cripps, Partington
BEST
GIANTS: Kelly, Whitfield, Wilson, Ward, Haynes, Corr
West Coast: Yeo, Priddis, Hutchings, Shuey, Redden, Kennedy
INJURIES
GIANTS: Nil
West Coast: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Schmitt, Williamson, Ryan
Official crowd: 15,751 at the Spotless Stadium
