Finals starts now for top-four aspirants GWS
Finals effectively start now for an ambitious GWS team who believe they have what it takes to do something special this AFL season.
The Giants sit third after their impressive win over Brisbane at the Gabba, with games against Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs to come.
Midfielder Josh Kelly is embracing the ride – and tough run into September.
“It’d be nice to have your position locked up and everything sealed but finals almost starts now in a sense,” Kelly told reporters on Monday, ahead of Saturday’s clash at Engie Stadium.
“We’re playing for our season, like a lot of teams are, like Freo are.
“They’re all big games. We’ve got to play our brand of footy and we feel like that stacks up in the big games.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for us. I feel like our group really thrives off those opportunities and the ability to play in high-stakes games.”
The Giants are keen to address slow starts after requiring big, late comebacks against the Lions, and Hawthorn.
“In those patches, like the first quarter, we’re not winning the contest, so we’re not pressuring the way we’d like to be, and ultimately that’s leading to us being down on the scoreboard,” Kelly said.
“The main thing is just being on our game from the start and playing with that desperation that we play with in the last quarter, when the game’s on the line.”
GWS will have to get to grips with a Fremantle on-ball division led by Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw and Hayden Young.
“They’re flying. They’ve been very, very impressive,” Kelly told AAP.
“They’ve all had great individual years, and obviously they’re a team that’s going really well and fighting for finals as well.
“It feels like all the games at the moment are crunch games, and this is another one of those for both teams.”
Kelly, 29, played in the 2019 grand final, plus preliminary finals in 2016, 2017 and 2023.
With youngsters Aaron Cadman, Finn Callaghan and Darcy Jones adding fresh match-winning ability to an established core, this group feels special.
“We’ve got a lot of belief in where we can go, but still a lot of work to do as well,” Kelly said.
“We’re trying to buy the opportunity for the back end of the year and this group, I feel like we are capable of anything.”
Kelly has been limited to just 13 games this year due to two “frustrating” calf injuries, but returned strongly against Brisbane.
“Hopefully I’m in a position now where I feel relatively fresh, but also really confident in my body to go out on the weekend and have an impact and stay healthy,” he said.
He was confident Stephen Coniglio (shoulder) could also potentially return.
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