3 minute read
GWS will play Richmond in the AFL grand final after beating Collingwood by four points in their preliminary final at the MCG.
SNAPSHOT OF THE PRELIMINARY FINAL:
* Result: GWS 8.8 (56) bt Collingwood 7.10 (52) in front of 77,828 at the MCG.
* Key moment: The AFL's new-look review centre is in the spotlight after Josh Thomas' controversial snapped goal in the last quarter, despite footage appearing to show it being touched off the boot.
* Key stat: This was the seventh time the Giants went into a game without key players Toby Greene (suspended) and Lachie Whitfield (injured). It is the first time they've won. In an excellent omen for the Tigers, this will be the first AFL grand final since 1980 that the top two teams after the regular season have not reached the premiership decider. Richmond mauled Collingwood in that grand final.
* Injuries: Giants co-captain Phil Davis popped a finger in the warm-up, then hurt his lower leg and also had a shoulder injury. He will have a big week of recovery and rehab ahead.
* What's next? The Giants are into their first grand final after two losing preliminary finals. The Magpies are left ruing the third quarter, during which they were held goalless and GWS kicked five.
